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Small Town #3

Chasing the Alpha

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The last thing Alice expected to see that night, was her father.
The man himself who abandoned Alice, when she was only just a newborn.

It's the first time, Mark Smith has seen his daughter in eighteen years, but he has no idea the reason why he's been brought back to Small Town, and back into his daughter's life.

Will Alice be able to forgive her father for the pain and suffering he has caused all those years ago, or will she put her feeling's aside, and focus on killing the murderer of Small Town instead?

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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 62 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica Edwards.
Author 22 books828 followers
January 16, 2018
This book is now available on Amazon!
I hope you will enjoy this book!
I’ve had so much fun writing it!
Can’t wait to see what you think of it! ♥️
Profile Image for *❆ Kαɾҽɳ ❆*.
414 reviews93 followers
November 8, 2017
Full review 09/11/17 Okay now that it's early in the morning, I've had my sleep and I'm refreshed to start my review, (*deep breaths*) okay here we go...

WHAT DID I JUST READ? THAT WAS AMAZING, IT WAS BEAUTIFUL, IT WAS PERFECTION!

What an amazing end to a series! This series is my favourite this year, topped most of it. There was so much going on in this book, a lot of action, like a lot and of course the arguing and the fighting between the boys and with their enemies but the humour is always present and it's a perfect balance between the two

Warning: slight spoilers ahead

So, the story begins where we left off, Alice meets her father and she is furious by his return. But Mark, her father, is not who we think he is. We learn so many secrets from each of them, most are predictable but some do catch you by surprise

We know that Alice is determined to kill Mr Edmund (Oliver) because he was the mastermind of her mother's death. But she needs help, a lot of help because even Oliver isn't stupid enough to fight them alone, so he ends up recruiting others
But she also has new recruitment and it was interesting to see who were her new allies

But, before the final battle, so much happens in between, and believe me, it will make you want to cry out loud, be angry and frustrated with most of the characters! Argh!!
I think I understood one of my other friend's review, R. Kitt (she's also an author, do check out her stories, they're awesome!) she said she wanted to beat Ryder with a bunch of feathers over and over again. And I couldn't agree more! I just wanted to slap him silly but also kiss him 😆

I loved Alice's character development, she has grown so much since book 1. She is still stubborn and feisty which was great to see. Although I was annoyed with her stubbornness, especially when the boys would fight and she would try to break it but fail, but I was still impressed by her determination. But there was also times when she would stand there watching them fight not knowing what to do, and I just wanted to yell at her "aren't you a wolf too?! Go and stop it!" Haha but I understand why she did things her way and I love her for it

Ryder, oh Ryder, gosh I love him with everything! He is still overprotective over Alice, trying very hard to keep her safe, but it always seems to slap him hard in the face. But even if he is ruthless, he has a beautiful side and usually only Alice sees his vulnerable side. It was beautiful to see him care so much for Alice and how their relationship grows throughout, trust and love is questioned but how they fight for each other was wonderful to read

And there's Bane and Sam, theyare incredible people, the perfect best Friends for Ryder and Alice. Bane is very quiet and reserved as always but we see more of his soft side here now. We see him comfort both Alice and Ryder during their deep ends and I loved seeing him helping them and picking them up from their self-destruction. I'll always love that guy! If he's not in the following books I'll cry!
Sam is awesome, she'll always be awesome! I love her character, not caring what others think and being her funny self to cheer Alice up. Sometimes she goes over the top with things, I guess mainly how attractive and gorgeous Bane is, but I loved reading about her obsession anyways!

Kellan, the underdog, the one people always look over, is beautiful and strong in his ways. I loved him always and he continues to fight for himself and for those he cares. Physically or verbally he fights to defend his friends and himself. Especially during all the bickering and arguing with Bane, gosh they were so funny to read about.
There was so many times I wanted to laugh and cry and hug with him!

Overall, I think Jess has done an exceptional job with theses characters the most, they were lovable, relatable, strong, fierce, stubborn and kind with one another. They have grown really close to my heart, and I know they won't be leaving anytime soon!

Okay and now for that ending! So everything is explained and resolved, which you do try to guess and some are predictable but there are still surprises which I loved!

But that epilogue! In order to understand what feelings I'm going through right now you need to read all the books in this series to understand why that moment is so mind blowing and unexpected! Gosh there are so many questions and stuff going through my mind right now! I couldn't stop thinking about it and it's not even 8am yet!
I don't think I've ever wanted a new book to be released so much more sonnet until I read that epilogue and I'm desperate to read what comes next!!

Argh! Jess you are an amazing author, talented and exceptional in every way! Keep doing what you do, love what you do and write with all your heart and passion! Congrats on such an awesome series and I wish you all the luck in the world with your upcoming writing projects! ❤️❤️

I highly recommend everyone to read this series! It may be self-published but man it's worth so much more that some best selling works I've read. Its worth it, read it now!


08/11/17 OMG THAT ENDING, THAT ENDING?! THAT EPILOGUE!! I NEED THE NEXT ONE!! 😱😱😱
Review to come! I had to finish it all tonight, that was amazing and just argh!

But I really need sleep now! 😆but reading that book till the end was so worth it!
Profile Image for Aqsa.
291 reviews334 followers
April 1, 2019
*Spoiler Alert*
It was the best. Ryder seemed off in this one. He found do many reasons to be angry and silent. I loved that he never left or badly hurt Alice through his words. Alice really did pushed him in some ways. I felt so so bad for Max. I just kept hoping that he'd get out of the mess he got himself into last year with Anna. I knew that the bomb will falls and the moment Max found out about Anna, I knew that that was it and that Ryder is going to find out. I didn't think Ryder would stop like he did from killing Max. He really loves Alice. Bane was so much better and I was so happy for Sam. I hope their mystery gets solved too..or maybe not. I loved when Max saved her again. I wished her mom had told her about her father's absence all those years. She didn't do right by him. I'll get my hands as soon as I can on the next book cz the ending was something: woahh! Anna is back! I'd love to hear her story as much as Max woukd.
Profile Image for Jane Shambler.
799 reviews32 followers
November 19, 2017
This is bad...is there a book 4?

Ok, So! Just for the record.... I hate you.... :). This is a three book series? Yes??. So for the record, why have you made the ending the way you did? Or are you telling me book four is coming out for Christmas? If not, why not? I want, no need book four and sooner rather than later.

Do not read this book on its own. You need to read this series in order or some things won't make sense. Yes, the editing could be better but it doesn't deter from the story. Also, for those who will ask it's M/F.

There was a moment in this book when I realised this was going to get 5 stars. After the funeral Alice is running in the woods and is eventually joined by the boys. They run side by side until nightfall. It's the power of love and family, not necessarily by blood, which helps us to heal. Just felt that the message of this book stood out in this paragraph.

This series gets its hooks into you and you can't shake free. It's compelling and you can't put it down. You don't want to put it down. The author has a good writing style and her characters are well developed. She also tells a great story. I'll certainly be reading her again and hopefully it will involve book four. The author definitely has talent, just needs a better editor. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Sabrina.
591 reviews265 followers
April 2, 2018
Wait what? What was that end?
I need the sequel immediately.
January 7, 2018
HOLLY MOLLY this is my fav one sooo far concerning ( the action, the writing , everything ..) !! THAT ENDING PLS ..i need the fourth book now !!!
The epilogue broke my heart , i feel bad for max ugh , he deserves the world 😢 i feel bad for kellan too , i can sense the new love triangle here 😴💔
AS ALWAYS WELL DONE JESS !!!!
Profile Image for Fuzaila.
252 reviews380 followers
November 26, 2017
There’s more? Yeah? I wasn’t prepared for that. But hell yes! I definitely need more. You can’t end a book like that Jessica! It’s unfair. How many more days till the next book is up? *Prays for it to be soon*

I actually thought this would be a 3-star read, because honestly, the first half of the book was kind of umm, scary? Intimidating? But then as always, Jessica made sure her readers are satisfied with the ending.


**TRIGGER WARNING** - Rape, Violent thoughts, Murder, Excessive swearing


Let me attempt a review here. I am going to make it slightly more critical because I think Jessica has really improved as an author. So here it goes –

THE PLOT

That night at her school in Mr. Edmund’s classroom changed everything for Alice. Her father was back to Small Town and she wasn’t very happy about it. After all, he left Alice and her Mum all those years ago for another woman.
Mr. Edmund is still on loose, and there is no telling when and whom he’ll attack next. She must be the one to put an end to his killing sprees.

Things aren’t going very well with Alice and Ryder either, but to take down Mr. Edmund, Alice needs allies. Who’d want to help her avenge her mother’s death? Would Alice forgive her father after everything that has happened?

My Thoughts

• The writing was simple yet raw. Could have used some editing.

• The book started right off where the last one ended. It was a bit difficult to understand what was going on. But yeah, we got a recap later when Alice recounts it to her best friend Sam. Still, I was a bit baffled in the beginning.


Alice. I don’t think Alice is a likeable protagonist. At. All. Her actions and behavior were too much sometimes. She had no right to blame her father for a murder he had no role in. And btw she goes on blaming every other person for her mother’s murder, it’s insane!

Let me get this clear; Blaming someone for a murder they had no hand in, is absolutely horrible. The guilt build-up is inevitable even if you had no role in it whatsoever. Especially if it’s the murder of someone close to you. No one deserves to live with such guilt for the rest of their lives.

Besides, Alice is also a hypocrite. She goes on and on about why no one should kill anyone for a murder beyond their control, all the while intending to kill someone herself. Her violent nature kind-of appalled me. At the same time, I was also glad she embraced the changes in her.


THE CHARACTERS. I am surprised at the character growth that takes place in this novel. Sam, Ryder, and Max. Also Mark, and yeah Nora. Oh, and especially Bane. Besides Alice, I think I loved everyone else. Kellan’s character was a bit low for some reason. Jessica has done a great job with her characters, they’re memorable, each one of them unique.


• To me, the use of profanity was a bit too much. I don’t think kids swear like that. I mean, how can you even pronounce a sentence with so many f*cks in place? It was unrealistic, overdone and completely unnecessary.


Use of rape as a plot device. Again, I didn’t see why this had to be the case. It was easily avoidable. The casual manner in which it was handled might be triggering for some people.


• There were some instances where characters were stereotyped for the way of dressing. I never thought I’d be siding up for short dresses and I’m the last person you’d see in a mini-skirt, but I think calling someone an “expensive dirty prostitute” for their dressing choices is unacceptable. Again, that is one more reason Alice didn’t work for me.


The ending. I wasn’t actually looking forward to the ending because I thought there might be too much blood shedding. Thank God I was wrong. That ending was a pleasant surprise. The Epilogue though! From Max’s pov! I couldn’t have asked for more.


Overall this book didn’t amaze me like the other two books did, but it wasn’t disappointing either. Jessica Edwards has so much potential, I can’t wait to discover her future works! 3.5/5 stars

P.S Thanks to the author for sending me a copy of this book! All opinions are my own, though
Profile Image for Javi_starrysckeye*.
33 reviews3 followers
December 16, 2017
Urugh!! I loved it and hated it at the same time. Edmond is dead(YAY)! And cliffhangers are just unbelievably annoying!!🤯😤The character relationships are just so great! Especially Bane and Killan, Max and Ryder, and Alice and Sam/Ryder. Is Anna back or is that girl someone else? When/will you continue the small town series?..(pretty please. 🤞😚😁)

Again I have to say, this song list is also fabtabulous! If you ever go to a Kpop concert, Let me know! Plan to at least once before I die! (Pics of it would be appreciated if you can😍☺️)
#kpop/kdramafanatic


Lovely writing and storyline all through the series😛😋 the twist of the usual werewolf story is really interesting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Cyndi.
2,450 reviews121 followers
November 15, 2017
Wow! Just, Wow!! When you pick up this book be prepared, cause you won’t want to put it down. There will be walking into doors, missing the handle of your cup of tea, and ignoring people around you.
Alice and the gang are facing more challenges. Some pull them apart and some bring them closer together. She continues to learn more about her power while learning more about the people around her. Surprises everywhere! Especially the end. I’m so excited to see where this brilliant author takes the story next! 😊💕📖
Profile Image for Liz.
2,372 reviews46 followers
November 11, 2017
I was really looking forward to the third instalment of this series and had high hopes after the gripping stories of the first two. I certainly wasn't disappointed, Jessica Edwards has a way of hooking you into the story whilst making you care about the characters (even if you don't fully trust them!). Alice has so much to deal with, the twists and turns kept the story moving. Things come to light which weren't completely expected. I especially liked the ending, however, I can only hope that there will be more to come from at least one character! An excellent read.
Profile Image for Ashlynn.
131 reviews12 followers
Read
November 9, 2017
NONONONONO please tell me there's a 4th one....

Review Section
I don't really have much to say because the first review was so in-depth and I feel the same way, it'd be tedious to re-write the same thing. Still enjoy the writing style, the character development is wonderful, low amount of grammar issues, plot twists will knock your socks off, you see some of them coming though, you're the master and cliffhanger endings.
Profile Image for Fromeggtodragon.
76 reviews12 followers
January 7, 2018
"Wolves do exist in Small Town.
I'm proud to say that I'm one of them."

A little disclaimer : I'm not a native English speaker. That can explain a few typos and/or mistakes when it comes to English + there are probably SPOILERS beneath this point.

The author, Jessica, was kind enough to send me this book : thank you very much once again !

There is one thing I cannot deny : all of Jessica's books are addicting really quickly. I have literally read this one in less than 24 hours an even woke up early this morning to be able to finish it.

I was so happy to get back to those characters I cared about and to get to know them even more, to see their relationship evolve ...

There were no plot holes or slow moments so I was under pressure the whole time reading it because after every important event came another one !

I need to point out one thing that will maybe seem a bit stupid to some people but I was impressed by it : these characters HAVE PARENTS. That might sound obvious but if you think about it, how many books have you read in this genre in which sometimes you want to scream at the book "My parents would never let me do that !". Nobody else ? Alright.

To put it in a nutshell, it was great.
However, guys, we need talk about something.
THE ENDING.
Jessica, I thought it was a trilogy, little did I know !
I'm so excited to read your next book.
Great job !

I would definitely recommend to anyone who needs a quick, easy and moving read ; it's the perfect book to get out of a book slump !
Profile Image for starrgaze..
568 reviews108 followers
June 25, 2018
While ago I started this series not because I was so into the idea of going a while back into my readings where I've found stories about werewolves compelling, but because something that Jessica Edwards had wrote on her wall here, in Goodreads. She won me with the simple fact that she's just a girl who's dream is to write and publish a book - something so close to me, since it's just like my own dream.
So I gave her books a chance. And coming from someone who is very picky about what he reads, I was surprised and it was in a good way. I can honestly say that some way more "popular" writes, published not by themselves, have such shitty writing style, story, etc. But this girl really has the potential to become an amazing writer, so, fingers crossed, I hope that's exactly what happens.
Profile Image for Alaina.
7,359 reviews203 followers
November 20, 2017


This book was so good. Fucking amazing. I just can't believe how it ended.
I NEED MORE!





Overall, I'm so happy that the third book came out! So thank you Jessica!! I really hope there's another book coming out next year, like January? Because I need more and you can't just end a book like that! PLEASE?!?! I'll love you forever and ever.

Profile Image for Taylor.
48 reviews15 followers
November 28, 2017
Oh my God! That epilogue was PERFECT. I loved it. Please, Jessica Edwards, write their story. I'm begging you.

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Chasing The Alpha was absolutely good. I'm so glad that the author didn't write so many things that would make this story complicated. It's just perfect. I loved that the flow was straight to the point. I am also celebrating because finally, finally... my ship sailed. Sam and Bane, absolutely gorgeous! I loved them so much I've been rooting for them since Chasing The Omega.

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And again, please, write Max's story. You had me so excited I can't sleep. I want - no! I need to know what's next, because right now, I'm going crazy. So many questions are bombarding my head.Oh my God.

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Profile Image for San.
339 reviews15 followers
January 25, 2021
4.5* I had minor issues, BUT OMG! THIS BOOK YOU GUYS!
Jessica you're an incredible author and you must continue writing. Thank you so much for sending me your books.
I just finished it. I'm still a bit shocked. I think I need to take some time to process everything and write the review.
The thing is I'm just amazed of how Jessica has improve her writing style. This book was amazing, so interesting and fast pace. All the characters development, the fight scenes, the dark topics. I'm speechless.
Oh and that cliffhanger! I NEED MORE!
Profile Image for Hiba.
1,066 reviews416 followers
February 13, 2018
Woooooo-hooooowww, I'm sorry, but you have no right to end the book that way *silently sobs*
Like, can you give us an excerpt from Truth : Part 1 right now, please? Or just tell us the synopsis maybe? No?
This book was far better than the last two in terms of events and suspens, and I cannot wait for the next one to come out so I can know what I can happen. (To be honest, I can't help but be sorry for Kellan right now, because I have a strong feeling that another love triangle is going to show up)
Profile Image for Theeeonlylimit.
168 reviews31 followers
January 3, 2018
I like this book as much as the second one. I'm a little bit sad that it's the end for now, but I hope that the fourth part will be published soon. I looking forward to reading what will happend next because the ending was really mysterious.
Profile Image for Alyson Stone.
Author 4 books71 followers
December 8, 2017
Book: Chasing the Alpha
Author: Jessica Edwards
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars

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

Well, I have now read all of the Small Town books and I must say that I like what I’ve read. I am wondering though if there is going to be a fourth book, but I didn’t think everything was wrapped up. There is enough open doors for a fourth book or even a spin off.

This book picks right up where Chasing the Beta left off. Alice is on a revenge seeking track and is determined to avenge her mother’s death. She is trying to enough life with Sam, but is finding if very difficult to move on. I do actually understand why she is acting like she is. Put yourself in her shoes and see how you would feel. I do actually understand her point of view on her dad, but I felt like it was a little too much. She doesn’t have the full story and really doesn’t want to know it. Also, I really didn’t like how she blamed everyone for her mother’s death, but, then again, it did make for a good storyline.

One thing that I noticed was the big change in Alice’s character. I have liked her clear through the series, but there was something different about her. She is no longer the sweet girl, but one who is violent and revenge seeking. Again, the events in her life are the reason, but I was shocked. I did like how she did embrace this new character.

I still enjoyed the rest of the characters. I thought they were all well written and rounded-though Ryder is still a bit of a control freak. Character development has been one of Jessica’s strengths clear through the series and this is no different. I did love the relationships she exploded with the minor characters. It really adds something a little something extra to the story. I don’t know...It’s just a nice touch.

I have seen people gripping about the use a rape in the story. Yeah, I really don’t know how I feel about that either. I thought it really explained the character in question and made me understand why she is the way she is. I don’t know...I didn’t however like how Alice judged people on this subject. It really did make me look down on her character.

Jessica’s writing has improved. It’s still very simple, but she has improved on so many levels. Often times, we see the writing improve, but the story suffer. This isn’t the case here. We still have the same story, but I think it is much better written. The plot really isn’t complex and still reminds me of Twilight, but I still really enjoyed it.

Like the other books in the series, this is not to be read as a standalone, but I do think most people would find this to be a rather enjoyable read-especially if you are a fan of Twilight.
Profile Image for Sabrien Abdelrahman.
384 reviews
December 19, 2017
First of all, I want to thank the author for sending me a free PDF of this whole trilogy and am glad for the opportunity to be a part of this wild ride. This book was great because finally . . . Bane and Sam. Need I say more? No, but I will anyways. I'm just so happy with the last chapter it's making me feel all fuzzy inside. I can't say the same for the epilogue, however-that cliffhanger made the book have a "this is the end but still the beginning feel" which is why I can't wait for the fourth book! But overal, I liked the action and the more healing note with all of Alice's relationships. I kind of want the next book to be about Max and Anna, from Max's point of view, but without the introduction of a new villain. Also, the psychotic villain Mr.Edmund of this series was pretty crazy and half the time his motives were just. . . Really, man? Really? Anywho, read this book. READ IT.
Profile Image for Shaikha.
230 reviews147 followers
January 19, 2018
This is by far the best in the series; kept me at the edge of my seat the whole time!!! And that ending makes me want to read Truth RIGHT NOW!!! 🔫
Profile Image for Vanessa (bookfairy95).
1,307 reviews142 followers
December 26, 2017
This was a very satisfying end to a good trilogy!

At the end of the second book I was a bit sad that Alice couldn’t get any revenge for her mother’s death. However, Alice finally got her revenge now which I really appreciated! And at the same time she kind of accepted her dad and worked together with him. She even called him dad in the end, after hearing the reasons why he had left her and her mother when she was little. I’m still somewhat confused about the relationship of Mark and Nora though. Apparently he loved Alice’s mother all the time and that doesn’t really go along with being with another woman and raising her child in my eyes. And since he was like a real father for Max I don’t believe that Nora and Mark are just friends, which, again, in my eyes makes his story not really believable. The background stories themselves I really liked though! Not only the one of Nora and Mark and Mr. Edmund, but also the one of Ryder and Silver. It made Silver a bit more likable for me and Ryder’s relationship to her more understandable. That doesn’t mean she has an excuse for murdering innocent people though.
That Alice and Ryder got together in the end was to be expected from the beginning, but I still had hope for Alice and Max….. I mean what was with Alice’s heart skipping a beat and the hugging and the kiss on the cheek and Alice protecting Max from the others and lying for him to be safe??? 
Well… at least Alice stayed true to herself…
Though I think Ryder forgave Alice far too quick for lying about Anna’s death.
As for the last chapter…………. ANNA!??!?! For real??? What the hell???? HOW? That came way too unexpected. XD
And I really don’t know how to feel about Max being stunned when looking into that girl’s eyes. XD


One single question remains after reading this trilogy though: When turning into a wolf, the fur has the colour of the shapeshifter’s hair. However, Max is blond and his wolf has black fur. How come?!!?!?
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,222 reviews102 followers
December 26, 2017
What I didn't like about this book:
The writing is a little more repetitive in this book than in others. The descriptions are still strong, but it feels hurried, especially compared to Book 1, which I think is the best written.
The cursing. I don't curse, but I know that practically everyone else alive does. I can handle it in books, especially when it's appropriate. I found that it really was in Books 1 and 2, but it got really prevalent in this book, and some of it made me cringe.
That goes with the sex scenes and references. In Book 1, I thought the sex scene between Alice and Ryder happened too quickly in their relationship, but it made sense and was handled well. However, in this book, I really didn't like the way sex was discussed, especially between Bane and Sam. Again, I'm not naive about the way the world works, but I found it distasteful, especially thinking that these people are still in high school albeit eighteen and seniors.
That also goes with the violence. It's not the descriptions of the fight scenes, which were graphic but in a good way. I can picture everything that happens, and I like the way that the author describes the fights and shows off everyone's strengths and weaknesses. It's the quantity of violence that bothers me--there are so many fights series-wide, and everyone is quick to resort to violence, especially Ryder. It's also the cavalier way people refer to death, especially Silver's and Mr. Edmund's. I think some readers will love that they are mentioned so carelessly because they're the villains, and I didn't mind that they get killed, but the discussion of it so blatantly was a little unsettling for me. This may also be an aspect of the genre that I don't understand because I don't read paranormal fiction. Maybe violence occurs often in all paranormal books? If so, then this fits and shouldn't be a critique.
Finally, the whole Silver/Ryder thing continues to bother me. I'm really glad the author included their back story, but it made it even worse that Ryder killed Silver in Book 2 without hesitation. Sure, he feels bad, and he tells Alice why, but Silver was physically and sexually abused by the men in her first pack, and then, Ryder "rescues" her to go on and essentially sexually abuse her as well, using her only for sex and discarding her as a partner as soon as he finds someone he has actual feelings for. Something I hoped would justify Ryder's actions and attitudes didn't at all. I can't even feel too bad for him about the way his parents treated him after Anna's death. I really wish Alice had ended up with Max!! But I also know that other readers love Ryder and are probably happy about the outcome of his and Alice's relationship.
What I liked about this book:
I went from 40% to 70% without even realizing that I'd read that much! It's the longest book in the series, but I read it the fastest. The suspense was strong, and it made me want to know how it would all end.
Max and Alice's budding Alpha/Beta relationship. I love when Alice stands up to Ryder to defend Max, her Beta. After all, Ryder's always defending his Betas. Of course, Alice feels bad about it right after, but she does it!
Max's character. I really like the way he develops, and I love that he's always there for Alice when she needs him.
The Epilogue. What?? The author did a great job of wrapping up the story that begins in Book 1, but she also does a great job of essentially starting a new story at the end. I definitely want to know what's going on with Max and Anna, so I'm looking forward to Truth. Very intriguing!
The resolution of the conflict--it ends with a fight scene between an unexpected pair but one that makes sense and is fitting with the story's development.
The development of Mr. Edmund's, Nora's, and Mark's stories.
The development of Silver's story (except the elements noted above).
Overall, this series is one that I did not plan on reading but really got into and enjoyed. It was a great way to spend my holiday reading time. Because I had digital copies, I could read it on my computer or on my phone during down time from family and festivities. The suspense kept me guessing and wondering. I think the author should be incredibly proud of herself for a first series--she created well-developed characters, a suspenseful and intriguing plot, and a vivid setting.
I recommend this series highly and hope the author gets more readers and praise--she deserves it!
Thanks, Jessica Edwards, for sending me a free PDF version of this book. I'm really glad that I got the chance to read your series!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nassy.
196 reviews143 followers
December 21, 2017
What an ending and I enjoyed the plot twist at the end. Can’t wait to see how that goes.

I really enjoyed this book and the plot. We have Alice who is looking for vengeance because of what happened to the people she cared about. We have Ryder conflicted over his feelings on his beta betraying him and what he had to do. Then we have Max who is keeping a secret only he and Alice know about. I liked how Ryder was less controlling in this one. We see that he is learning how to care for someone without being overly protective. Alice was kinda annoying lol especially when she gave Ryder an ultimatum concerning what happened to his sister but she was planning her revenge for what happened to . But overall, she was okay. I’m glad she finally had that talk with her dad and everything got cleared up because I had a feeling there was more to the story.

Can’t wait for the fourth book!!
Profile Image for Lexi Rose Reads.
127 reviews34 followers
January 13, 2018
Let me just say a few words to sum up my thoughts. Oh my fucking word. I literally just sat here for a solid 15 minutes after finishing the book before I set it down.
By the way, the last few chapters sound it sounded like I nice conclusion to all the shit that has been happening in Small Town. They got the murder. Alice finds out why her dad really left. Sam and Bane are together. Alice and Ryder are doing fucking fantastic. It seems like everything falls into place. Except for Max. The poor guy is all alone pretty much.
But then that epilogue happens. That fucking epilogue. I don’t want to spoil it for anyone else. But my fucking word. She’s back? What the fuck? Jessica Edwards, I’m going to need the next book ASAP.
Profile Image for Dee Dee (Dee Reads for Food).
476 reviews42 followers
March 14, 2018
oh. okay! I absolutely muuuuust read book 4! You can't leave me like this.


If you're okay with cliffhangers that leave you desperate for more, and main characters that don't react the way you think they ought to, and a villain that's really deserving of his comeuppance, then this is the series for you.
Profile Image for Maria.
171 reviews22 followers
November 17, 2017
OMG! You are killing me Jessica Edwards. I thought this was only going to be a three book series! I need more! Now!!!
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews26 followers
January 7, 2018
This series is getting better and better. Ms. Edwards writing is developing which I truly welcomed with happiness.
Be warned: book 3 is much darker than previous books! There are some triggers: violence, abuse ad rape.
Now about the book: Alice's dad is back in town. She doesn't want to have anything in common with him. Understandable.
Everything is coming to the last encounter with the bad guy - Mr. Edmund. Some past secrets are revealed - these ones kept me on the edge!
Be prepared for major cliff t the end - book 4 will be highly anticipated.
Profile Image for Ness.
118 reviews
November 24, 2017
HI. OK BYE. I WON'T SAY ANYTHING UNTIL I READ THE 4TH ONE OR IF THERE IS EVEN ONE. WHAT THE HELL I'M OUT OF WORDS.

P.S If there would be a 4th book I just wish it would be another one of Alice and Ryder's because I want more of them!!!
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