Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Alex runs the show.
She spent years learning how to take care of the financial end of Shadow Pine. It’s what she does.
What she brings to the table.
A table Edward Sweeten thinks he has a seat at.
The man is arrogant. Cocky. Incorrigible.
And sexy as hell.
Unfortunately, there’s another spot he’s decided should be his.

And it’s in Alex’s bed.
Which would be fine if he was like the other men she allowed a temporary visit to the location. But Edward is nothing like them.
He doesn’t jump when she asks, he doesn’t shrink under her glare, and he doesn’t back down when she threatens to bite.
If anything he likes it.
Allowing him a spot in any part of her world is a dangerous gamble.
Because the man is stubborn enough to stay.Because the man is stubborn enough to stay.

There’s nothing Edward likes more than a fight.
And Alex Karlson can dish one out like he’s never seen before.
She’s strong and bossy and fierce.
The woman makes his blood heat with just a glare.
But not from anger.
No. Nothing about Alex makes him angry. She’s beautifully in charge, exuding well-earned confidence and control.
She’s intriguing. Intoxicating.
Addicting.
And in danger.
Someone else thinks Alex should be theirs. Someone willing to do terrible things to take her from the one place she belongs.
But it won’t happen.
Because the only place Alex belongs, is with him.

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2020

209 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Janice Whiteaker

67 books148 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
450 (66%)
4 stars
168 (24%)
3 stars
51 (7%)
2 stars
10 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Celtic Chic Books.
242 reviews14 followers
January 27, 2024
Just when I thought the Big Northwest series couldn't get any better, "Alex" by Janice Whiteaker proves me wrong. This second book is a fabulous mix of humor, heat, and heart. Meet Alex, our leading lady whose caution stems from a childhood shadowed by a father who was everything a man shouldn't be. Her guarded approach to men is a fortress built from years of witnessing a less-than-stellar example of manhood. And then Edward crashes into her world – arrogant, exasperatingly cocky, and the epitome of what she's been avoiding, yet irresistibly intriguing.

The way Edward, who’s been cruising through life with a 'just okay' attitude, becomes completely captivated by Alex's fiery spirit is a story in itself. Their interactions are a hilarious clash of strong wills and undeniable chemistry. But the heart of the story is Edward's determination to show Alex that he's nothing like her father. He’s set on proving that some men can be trusted, that some men can be worthy of her heart. Their journey together is filled with laughter, sizzling moments, and a deep, evolving understanding. "Alex" is more than a romance; it's a story about overcoming the shadows of the past and daring to trust again. It's definitely on my 'must re-read' list. For a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt romance, "Alex" is the go-to book!
Profile Image for niki_reads_romance.
883 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2020
Great story

This story was a tough one for me. I really enjoyed it, and the more I read, the more I understood, but I had a really hard time liking Alex. The author did an excellent job, in my opinion, creating Alex, Edward, and this whole story. It was really great.

Possible spoilers ahead!
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Why I had a hard time with Alex—
First, Alex took her “I’ll never bow to a man” stance too far, in my opinion. She was not just a man hater, but totally hostile, judging Edward on his looks and nothing more. Second, she calls Edward a name throughout the entire story, but seems really really offended by the B word. Hypocritical much? And last, I feel like it was wrong of her to not tell Edward what she is and continue to act like she was perfect. It was frustrating watching her blame him for everything SHE did, but she was keeping a pretty major secret from him. And then to even consider telling his dad, but not even enter the idea of telling him. 😒
HOWEVER— as I read the story and learned more about her quirks and baggage, her actions and reactions started to make a lot of sense. Though I struggled with her, I think she was written really well and if she had been done differently, she wouldn’t have felt real.
Profile Image for Booklover Judy Lynn.
1,644 reviews30 followers
March 1, 2024
Book two in the series gives readers a HEA for Alex and Edward. It is written in third person from an alternating dual POV.

Alex is intelligent, strong and diligent in the work she does for her sisters and their town. She has an excellent fashion sense and is very protective of her role despite being overwhelmed with work. Edward arrives to help her, and sparks fly. Initially, Alex acts in an immature manner. I tried to understand why she was being so mean to Edward. I definitely appreciated his responses to her attitude. He is a steady presence within chaos. I also appreciated that the reader got to know him while he was learning who he wanted to be after hiding himself in an unsatisfying relationship for so long. I loved his willingness to challenge Alex, and his solid commitment to her from very early on. They are hot together and certainly have some steamy times. There are funny moments, a few emotional moments, and a suspenseful subplot that leads to danger. I appreciated that the dangerous times also held humorous moments too. I have a slightly better understanding of the paranormal aspect of the sisters than I did at the end of book one, but I am looking forward to learning more as I continue the series.
Profile Image for Alexandra Alston Reviews.
237 reviews9 followers
October 13, 2020
“Alex” Big Northwest Series Book 2 by Janice M Whiteaker
 
**Spoiler Alert**
 
Alex is one of six sisters who will protect those she loves at any and all cost. They have been in hiding for so many years, they almost forgot what it was like to let an outsider in. The man that gave her life is threatening to harm her family and she will stop at nothing to protect what is hers.
 
Edward has finally decided to take the next step in his life. After leaving his ex after a 10 year relationship, he thought he would feel different… alone... but far from it. Alex seems to push all the right buttons. She challenges him… argues with him and she gives as good as she gets. She is everything he never knew he needed or wanted. She will be his but she doesn’t know it yet.
 
Alex is torn between giving her sisters what they want and falling in love with a man she thought was all wrong for her. He has no idea who or what she is. Will this send him running?
 
A great story with so much to offer.  Great characters with just the right amount of sass, passion and devotion. Can’t wait to red what comes next! 
 
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Claudia, Cmarie927.
2,051 reviews41 followers
December 10, 2025
An exciting second book

As we learned in Danny's book, the sisters are very capable of caring for their town and themselves. Unfortunately, change is coming, and fortunately, their half brother Lance will help. Some of his help directly impacts Alex, and she's not thrilled about it.

Edward is an easy charecter to love, and his attention to Alex is great. The chemistry between these two is steamy and addictive and I enjoyed watching him be a constant source of strength and stability for her and her sisters.

I adore the crossover of characters from the Big series, and the edition of Edward's dads. The found family and relationships between these people is fantastic and I absolutely need more.

This author consistently provides original and creative writing and I highly recommend this and other works from her. It's best to read in the correct reading order for the most enjoyable experience.
Profile Image for Zoë Braycotton.
743 reviews9 followers
September 28, 2020
Brilliant second book of the series.

This was a brilliant read. The second book in the BIG Northwest series.

The Blackwood beauties are trying to build their little town up, so than means help from outsiders, help they will struggle to accept. All the sisters are burning the candle at both ends to keep the town running. They still also have the threat hanging over them and they know it’s close.

When Lance brings in Edward to help with the business Alex isn’t happy.

The tension between them is palpable, it’s electric. They bounce off one another, rubbing each other up the wrong way, to comical events at times.

But when push comes to shove and things get serious, Alex knows what she must do.

I had goosebumps on goosebumps at times during this read when the crap hit the fan, and it hits the fan big time.

Brilliant. I can’t wait to see which sister is up next. I see exciting times ahead.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
February 11, 2023
As part of Lance’s latest deal to help his amily, Edward Sweeten comes to town to help Lance’s sisters, the Backwood Babes, publicize their ‘weres’ and wastes no time deciding he’d like to know Alex Karlson intimately. Full of appealing marketing ideas and easing into helping Alex work smarter not harder despite her protests and annoyance at a nickname.

This outing might deserve a higher rating, but to this reader’s taste, both the juvenile ‘what can I do to tick him/her off today’ and the non-existent conflict consumed too many pages. Plus, Greenlea’s a very short drive away, two seems overkill when so much (i.e. population, etc.) is shared/duplicated. This reader wanted the outing to get better, but in my opinion, it did not. Some series you just have to break up with.
Rating: 2.25stars
Profile Image for Jenn O'Leary.
1,006 reviews20 followers
February 5, 2024
Alex is drowning in work.
Since the story about her family has gone public, the quiet little town where she lives is getting invaded with lots of tourists.
And when Lance brings in his good friend Edward to help Alex run things, she is not happy.
Edward needed a change, so when Lance asks for his help he jumps.
Alex is nothing like he expected, she is fierce, stubborn and bossy. And when she finds out Edward won't be in town for a short time she is not happy.
These two had some off the charts chemistry, and I loved how Edward wanted to take care of Alex.
When Alex & her sisters are in danger, Edward and his friends will stop at nothing to keep them safe.
This was an exciting addition tot he BIG Northwest Series.
Profile Image for Lynne.
447 reviews10 followers
September 30, 2020
This is Book 2 in the Northwest Series and is a great addition. Alex is overwhelmed with work and when meeting Edward, who has been drafted in to help, he becomes a huge impact on her personally and also how she runs the Shadow Pine business. They both have strong personalities and really rub each other up the wrong way, constantly at odds with each other. However they say - opposites attract, don’t they? How they work out both their work and personal lives is a constant battle but once Alex finds she’s in danger Edward realises that Alex is his, but do they get their HEA? - great read as always Ms. Whiteaker.
Looking forward to the next book in the series due in 2021...
Profile Image for Lise Nanette.
560 reviews3 followers
September 25, 2020
Seriously, ALL the Stars!

The story of a driven woman, doing her best to take care of all the details of her and her sister's lives, being shaken as she realizes there is someone who she can allow in to give her some surcease. This entry into the Big Northwest series is one that brought my heart to my throat more than once, gave me a sense of what it means to really let control slip away, and how freeing it is to trust. When you've been hurt, sometimes being a control freak is the only way forward, until it's not.
70 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2025
Fighting is a love language

Alex and Edward fit together just right, even though Alex doesn't want to believe it. When Edward comes to Shadow Pine to help Alex with the town's finances, he immediately knows the good thing he's found. It takes Alex a little longer to accept the good thing, because so often there was no good. Alex and Edward have a love language all their own and fighting is just foreplay. As always, Janice brings great story, wonderful banter, and just the right amount of spice. Enjoy!
1,065 reviews
November 20, 2020
Love this book!

I don’t know how it’s possible, but this book is even better than the previous one (Danny). I absolutely love the banter between Edward and Alex. It is funny & sweet. They are so freaking adorable. I was so sad when the book ended but plan to reread this in the near future. Edwards fathers were awesome also and I would have loved to have them as parents. I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series.
Profile Image for Tisha Johnson.
367 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2021
FAMILY NO MATTER WHO THEY COME FROM

The attraction was undeniable and the love inevitable. Letting go of the past and moving forward. I can't wait for Sam's and Tate's book because the chemistry between them is obvious.
I would like to know what happened to the brothers because we all know this isn't over and if it ended that way SHAME SHAME SHAME.
392 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2023
Reviewed by Beth-Great Series

I know it is only book 2 but I have to say it is a good read.

I read like it is a movie. I'm on the edge of my seat. It has romance, strong females characters, action, and good verses bad.

You just can't Get any better with a good book.

Life is great.
2,511 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2020
Great book

I love the continuation of this series. These girls are so strong and resilient, it breaks my heart at times. Loved the banter between Edward and Alex. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
2,864 reviews12 followers
November 21, 2020
Good

Enjoyed this best book about the Backwoods Beauties. Loved Edward’s character and how sure he was of what he wanted and how patient. Also laughed pretty hard at the “stealthy squatters” line and the accountant joke. Absolutely love his parents. Can’t wait for the next book!
13 reviews
January 28, 2021
So well done. The banter between the main characters was refreshing and realistic. Showing how emotions and moods can flip on a dime with a word. a phrase, or even a tone. Especially when the heart is involved. Truly enjoyed.
212 reviews
December 16, 2022
Good read

This is a series about a secret Alex shares with her sisters and finding their way through life and love fighting it all the way. I have enjoyed this series and Secret of Mountain Men.
1,347 reviews5 followers
March 13, 2023
Alex and Edward are hot for each other when they first meet

I would recommend this book and series for mature readers, that enjoy stories that are scary, funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic.
Profile Image for Jennifer Thompson.
245 reviews15 followers
May 25, 2023
Banter!

I love the banter with these two. Their story is so cute and sweet. I love how Edward isn't even fazed, he just takes her as she is. I enjoyed watching Alex find out that some men are good and she found her own unicorn.
401 reviews2 followers
July 12, 2024
Shifting Times

Alex and her sisters have built a cozy place for themselves to hide away from their reality. When the outside world finds its way into their lives, the sisters are faced with changes they never expected. Their stories are exciting, surprising and even HEA!
211 reviews
September 27, 2020
Good

It had a lot of banter back and forth. The book is definitely the Shadow Pine girls. Its fun to see Gail!!
21 reviews
March 31, 2021
Amazing book!! Can’t wait for the next one!’
Profile Image for Christine Brown.
70 reviews
October 28, 2021
I enjoy reading the first two books in this series can't wait for the next books to come out!
Profile Image for Janet Martin.
566 reviews
March 3, 2023
Such a great story. I'm still wondering why the masculine names for the sisters. I hope it gets explained at some point
4,862 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2024
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Profile Image for H.S. Skinner.
Author 5 books13 followers
September 5, 2024
Awesome read!

Love this series! Each book just gets better! Can’t wait to read the next one! Love the dynamics between the couples and the families!
Profile Image for Mary Ann.
2,746 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2021
This story has relatives coming out of the woodwork. It's anyone's guess as to who will turn up next. It was great to have beloved characters in common with the previous series. It will be interesting to see if this series is as interesting as its predecessor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.