Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Shifters of Grey Ridge #3

The Alpha's Revival

Rate this book
Rex is an Alpha without a pack. Rejected by his fated mate, he's not interested in second chances.
He just wants to be left in peace to lick his wounds and rebuild his life.
When he starts a new business, his sister-in-law comes to help, but Leah is exactly the kind of happy, bubbly woman he normally can't stand to be around. It doesn't matter how attractive she is.

And let's not forget she knows nothing about shifters.
Even if he wanted to keep her, he can't. Not without facing the one thing that has the power to strike fear in his heart and turn his world upside down all over again. His mate.

Leah knows what she wants and she won’t give up until she gets it.
The second she lays eyes on her handsome brother-in-law, she knows Rex is the one for her.
Even if he pretends to be irritated by her mere presence, she knows he feels it, too.
She's not sure what’s holding him back, but it won’t work, not with this stubborn human.
He can run, but he can’t hide.

When trouble comes to Grey Ridge, and Leah gets caught in the middle, will Rex be too stubborn to go after what he wants? Or will he be too late?

This book is a steamy, dual POV MF wolf shifter romance.
Read this if you love grumpy-sunshine, she falls first, but he falls harder, or a heart warming second-chance romance.

309 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 1, 2024

1613 people are currently reading
1338 people want to read

About the author

Reece Barden

46 books569 followers
Reece is a steamy paranormal romance author writing wickedly wild romance. She is currently working on the shifter romance series, The Shifters of Grey Ridge and the Steel Pack Alphas.

She loves creating steamy stories about hot, growly alpha men and the women who love and torment them.

She writes for people just like her who love a little light-hearted fun with their naughty heroes and edge-of-your-seat storylines.

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
1,624 (46%)
4 stars
1,213 (34%)
3 stars
558 (15%)
2 stars
84 (2%)
1 star
18 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
Profile Image for Jody Lee.
853 reviews48 followers
March 2, 2026
Rex is the sadsack oldest brother of the Jones family. His fated mate rejected him a year ago, and bounced before he had a chance to reject the bond as well (it apparently has to be done in person by saying the words like reverse wedding vow??). So he's been getting migraines whenever she is "involved" with her fiancé that she left him for. Which, pathetic Rex, just break the bond, but he's all, but what if? and my wolf still wants her? so doesn't.

Leah is the sister of Hayley from book one, and gets strong armed by Hayley into moving to Grey Ridge and running the wellness retreats at her B&B. Naturally she and Rex have an instant connection neither of them is able to ignore. She's literally changing his worldview from sadsack to Could Possibly Love Again, as evidenced by her ability to take a picture from a log "I've never seen the view from this angle, even though I've lived here my whole life."

My complaint with this entire series is that characters in their late 20s-30s act like children all the time. "Maybe it's childish to think like that" thinks Leah, giving the Barden Core Story right there. They don't respect clear boundaries or body autonomy or when no means no, "He wants me. He just doesn't want to want me. I can work with that." They take what is supposed to be a simple kiss and go all in with tongue and hands all over, they give each other the silent treatment and use intimate acts instead of communication when really, they shouldn't.

My main problem with this book is that Hayley had her sister move to the Ridge and work and live with a bunch of shifters and just...thought she would keep it from her? Like actively lied repeatedly about what is going on. "Hayley was the one who convinced me to come here. She threw me to the wolves, literally. She should have known I would find out eventually." And then when she found out, in a way that put her in danger, there was no scene at all where Hayley apologized in the slightest. TBH this was a bigger betrayal than any shifter not mentioning it, and it low-key spoiled their sisterly relationship for me. Also in no Barden book as the human ever even blinked at finding out that a) shifters exist or b) she is about to [marital congress] one, so I'm not sure why its a big deal. Just tell them to be cool and not narc them out to the general populace, nbd.

Nothing really happens in this book. Ooh will Rex reject his awful fated mate who no one likes at all for the Second Chance Mate (wish she had just had them be chosen mates, but sure, the bond will out I guess) everyone adores and who is related to Hayley the Luna? Ooh will Leah get rescued in time from the overarching series bad guy plot? Barden continues to have weird continuity issues where a character who is bonded with Bad Guy and would know says he's alive, but then later someone says he's dead, but its timeline issue, not ...and now he's dead. Characters appear and disappear with not enough time for where they were, ribs are broken but same character happily getting tossed around and slammed into walls with no issue days later, a character is receiving an intimate service from someone way down at the end of the bed but can also reach relevant body parts with her apparently elastic arms, etc etc. She also continues to introduce characters with zero explanation, like would it kill her to say "my sister X" or "Y's brother Z" instead of just dropping names.

Barden has an Author's note about the British English spelling, and that's just how it is (I guess she got a lot of feedback about the spelling), but she seems consider this the all clear to write with a LOT of just completely British slang and vocabulary and idioms that the American reader simply won't understand. This series takes place in the US (I think) and not only are characters using British words "vest" for tank top, etc" but using British phrasing repeatedly. Some of the slang is so colloquial I had to google to figure out what she meant, and needless to say that does take one out of the reading experience. Although I do like "didn't just lick it up off the ground" as meaning came by something naturally from a parent. Either explicitly set this series in the UK, or edit, you can't have it both ways.

Look, I know I have to stop reading this series. My kindle notes are too full of Yikes and Ugh and So Stupid but I keep thinking maybe? I was going to give this three stars because I gave a couple other ones I liked the same but the excessive truly British slang out of the mouths of allegedly American characters did it for me. If NG ever gives us half stars, this would be 2.5
Profile Image for CassDamm.
693 reviews96 followers
December 29, 2025
I’m enjoying this series and glad there is 10 books in it.

I really liked both the main characters in this book and I like that even though they’re stand alones the pov will sometimes change to one of the previous characters and you get to see their lives too.
Profile Image for Laura (lady_h_reads).
840 reviews350 followers
October 27, 2022
I loved reading this book! The Alpha’s Revival is not an easy, feel-good-the-whole-way-through romance. The couple gets their HEA in the end, but they suffer serious heartache before they get there. And it was such a delicious angst-filled ride to get there as a reader! Now that we are at book three of the series, this high-angst love story is what I am coming to expect and love from Reece Barden.

Rex was rejected by his fated mate, but he never accepted her rejection, so the bond remains, though weak. He and his wolf are broken. In comes Leah, a human, and the sister of the Luna, to help run a yoga retreat/bootcamp on the pack lands. Try as he might to resist her, his wolf finally starts showing interest in a new female. Yet, that fated mates bond still exists and must be broken before Rex can move on – while a new bond forms between the shifter and the human.

Leah is a great FMC who has an enthusiastic and generally positive outlook, but she has been hurt in the past and is not easily trusting. She is strong-willed and stands up for herself. And she owns her sexuality. I appreciate a FMC who is not a blushing virgin or shy about her body.

This book has some excellent possessive wolf-shifter moments, hot growly dirty talk, and more than a handful of spicy sexual encounters. Dry-humping has never been so hot!

While The Alpha’s Revival can be read as a standalone, reading the previous two stories gives greater depth to the overarching story. Some questions are not completely answered in this story but will be answered in the next. Most importantly, Rex and Leah get their HEA.
Profile Image for Kate V.
1,871 reviews374 followers
January 29, 2024
3.5 stars!

The Alpha's Revival is the third book in the Shifters of Grey Ridge series and features Rex and Leah. Rex was rejected by his fated mate but never accepted it and still felt a pull and a connection with the woman that rejected the bond. However, when Rex meets his sister-in-law's sister, Leah, he is surprised to find that he is attracted to the spicy and beautiful human.

Leah has been hurt in the past but wants Rex. He isn't completely emotionally available and so these two have a lot of emotions to sort through before finding their HEA. But once Rex gets his head out of his ass and Leah tells him like it is...well these two are beautiful.

“When I take you, Leah, I’m going to mark you. I won’t be able to hold back,” I whisper against her neck. “I’m going to sink my cock deep into this pussy and my teeth in this neck. And you’re going to love it. Beg me for more. You’re going to come so hard you won’t know what’s hit you. And when I fill you with my cum, you’re going to beg me to do it again and again. Everyone will know you’re mine. There will be no going back.”


Rex was a good alpha male and protector and I loved that about his character. Leah was strong and took no crap and I think they were the perfect pair. There wasn't anything that bothered me about the characters but there wasn't necessarily anything that made them stand out either.

This was angsty, steamy and an all around good read. Plenty of action and some moments I was wondering how Reece was going to make Rex and Leah happen. She did it though and in the best way. Super enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Koryne.
151 reviews76 followers
January 4, 2023
what are familial obligations and household chores because i have been neglecting everything to read this series 😂😂😂 i originally started with this book but put it on hold to read the first two and i loved every second of it! not going to lie, rex had me worried for a second with stacey but i knew my man wouldn’t disappoint hahaha. to be honest i’m not super looking forward to Nathan’s book because even though his wolf hasn’t been wanting to get busy, he still serviced his fwb in the first sneak peek chapter. it wasn’t detailed but still not my fave. especially if his mate is going to have to be around ALL the she-wolves he’s been entangled with at the pack house 🥴


ANYWAY! Rex and Leah were amazing and i am loving this author so far!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Kelly Eudy.
326 reviews203 followers
October 27, 2022
5/5⭐️
4/5🔥

MF/dual POV/pnr/shifters/med burn/grumpy&sunshine/fated mates/coworkers/HEA

This is book 3 in the Shifters of Grey Ridge. Each book follows a different set of characters and can be read as a stand-alone but to get the most of the story it is suggested to read the books in order. This book follows Rex Jones and Leah Walker.

Leah has been persuaded by her sister Hayley to come help start a new business venture in Grey Ridge. One her brother in law will be running with her. Well technically he’s Hayley’s brother in law, but still… one look at his picture and she doesn’t need anymore coaxing. With her presence online she knows they can have the business thriving in no time. And just maybe while shes there she can figure out what kinda of strange things go on in the sleep town of Grey Ridge that has her sister changing her life so dramatically. When Leah meets Rex, she feels the instant connection but she can tell he is holding himself back, she just doesn’t know why. But she’s determine to get what she wants, if only she can do it without getting her heart broken.

Rex had a mate, but she rejected him when she found out his life may not be up to the life she was currently accustom to. The pain of her rejection has plagued him for over a year and even now he still feels her… even when shes with someone else. But then he meets Leah and Leah brings a whole new host of emotions and feelings out in him and his wolf. He struggles with his attraction to Leah, but also wants her more than he ever wanted his ex-mate. How is that possible? While yes Leah may be Hayley’s sister, she still has no idea about shifters or what all goes on in Grey Ridge, but Rex knows he needs a clean slate before he can truly per-sue anything to far with Leah. But will finally facing the rejection turn out the way he wants it too? When Leah is put in danger will Rex be able to put her first? Will the secrets he’s been keeping from her send her running…?

Ohhh my poor baby Rex.. FINALLY!!!! I’ve been waiting on Rex’s story since we met him in book one. I loved Rex and Leah’s story. Leah had me laughing at her happy, sassy self. I love the way she kind of taunted and teased Rex, but still in a fairly respectful way. Once she got more of his story she was extremely understanding of his choices… even when she knew she didn’t have the whole story. Rex broke my heart a little, but I also wanted to slap him a bit. 🫣 but I liked the amount of respect he had for everyone’s feeling’s involved. I loved the amount of suspense ingrained in this story also, definitely kept me guessing! Rex and Leah are the perfect opposites attract couple. Very grumpy/sunshine vibes. YAY for Rex and his HEA. Now I can’t wait to see what happens with playboy Nathan and the girl that sets his world on fire. 🤍

-ARC Review-
Profile Image for Carol.
1,270 reviews
June 26, 2024
2 Stars

Eh, I wanted to like this one more but it just didn't play out how I wanted.

I liked Rex. I was happy he got a second chance at having a mate. I admittedly didn't like Leah that much. I didn't dislike her but it took quite a while for me warm to her and even then my liking for her was tepid at best.

I can't say there was anything in particular wrong with Leah exactly. I think the way she was introduced and how the story began and the initial first meeting between Leah and Rex played a big part in my initial dislike of her early on. She just came across way too aggressive with Rex. Yes, she was attracted to the man but my goodness when he was giving obvious don't get close to me vibes despite whatever chemistry Leah felt between them she just didn't care. To crazy Leah she felt that made him more interesting and she loved a good challenge. Like...no girl. No. She was basically throwing herself a the man on the first day they met. It was straight ridiculous that a grown woman, regardless of her bubbly touchy feely positive nature would act so silly especially with the man whom she was about to begin a working relationship with. Absurd.

It was a very shallow way to begin their relationship tbh. It felt like it was all based on physical attraction, and not more. And frankly I don't think it ever evolved enough for me to believe otherwise despite the MCs admitting to loving one another. Leah seemed a little immature in comparison too.

And while I did like her for Rex in the grand scheme of things I just never quite grew to like her all that much. She felt one dimensional to me and didn't have much depth to her tbh.

Overall not a bad book, just a bit boring. I skimmed the last half once Rex broke his bond with his ex Stacey. It was all a little anticlimactic and by that point I had no interest in Rex and Leah finally getting down and dirty.

Add in how the Stacey storyline was a complete disappointment and was cleared up way too easily? Meh. I expected more trouble from her. Oh! And how Leah, a human, who had broken ribs miraculously acted normal and like she wasn't in pain just days later and her and Rex began boinking like bunnies. 🙃
Profile Image for SamJ ★Needs a HEA★.
622 reviews899 followers
February 2, 2023
★Book Basics★

Genre : - Paranormal (Shifter) Romance
Series : - 3rd in series
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Would I read more by this author/or in this series? - Yes
Rating - 4★

★Review★

Favourite of the series so far.

Felt like the actual conflict preventing them being together was an actual issue as opposed to the main characters just not communicating.

Rex had been rejected by his fated mate a year or so before, but he never accepted it, meaning he still felt a connection and pain when his "mate" was with another man. He starts however to fall for his human sister in law Leah yet still has a weak bond with the "mate" who rejected him but wants Leah so much more.

A bit more angsty but loved both Leah and Rex and very happy they got their will deserved HEA.
Profile Image for Toshita.
595 reviews61 followers
January 9, 2025
Not my favorite book of the series but definitely the most informational in terms of the mechanics of the whole fated mates versus chosen mates situation. I found Leah to be a little annoying at times. I can't explain why but she just felt annoying. Rex was okay. He had depth that had been previously established and was elaborated on which was nice. Overall, this book was just okay. The whole fated mate rejection situation had cheating vibes and I didn't really enjoy that.
Profile Image for WASSAMATTAYOU BOOKSLOOT.
624 reviews1 follower
July 8, 2025
Good Lord, I am obsessed with Rex. I truly do love Leah. I love that. She’s super down to earth, I love that She really doesn’t take any ish from Rex, I love that she’s very strong willed, and altogether a pretty ba chick. I also love that she was totally freaked out when she found out that Rex was a wolf. And she reacted like any normal logical person would do who isn’t living in a book. The spice is great! And I just love this story so much.
Profile Image for Soph.
642 reviews62 followers
March 1, 2025
★★★. Had so much potential with angst and the factor of other woman drama. Yet this was two characters who only liked each other for sex and you can’t convince me otherwise. He picked up his phone that his ex was calling on in the middle of being intimate with the fmc and she forgives him in the next day? She decided her “revenge” was enjoying herself in the window for one minute.

Three stars cause I don’t know actually I had some fun I guess.
634 reviews8 followers
December 19, 2022
LOVE LOVE THIS STORY!

H- Rex Jones- destined to be alpha & rejected by his fated mate
h-Leah Walters- younger sister of Healey (Human)
I think I love this story more than the 1st one. I just love their connection & her energy. So his fated mate rejected him & went back to her ex(human) this almost killed Rex. He took some time off & decided to come back. He doesn’t want to be alpha, he just wants to do his own thing. So Healey decided to help him by bringing her younger sister over. As soon as she saw him she instantly felt the spark. He felt it too but to him being he already has a fated mate(who rejected him) felt that he was cheating on her by doing something with someone else. Love the whole story & concept of everything! I can’t wait to read the Chase cause I have a feeling that Alpha Blake Steele is going to be mated with Healeys twin sister Zoe.
Profile Image for Kirsten.
254 reviews
October 2, 2024
I enjoyed this book more than the second book. I enjoyed getting to know these characters better and still seeing some old favourites
Profile Image for Mimi Gunn.
Author 5 books51 followers
October 31, 2024
If you're looking for a thirsty man to give you some serious tingles, Rex is the man/ wolf shifter for you!!!

🌶️🌶️🌶️/3

I loved everything about this book from the onset! It was a great chaser after a low spice book left me wanting more. Leah is a fun, flirty heroine who loves to taunt and push Rex beyond the boundaries of his comfort zone, even if that means setting his body on fire with a sexy little wink and a swim. Rex is so determined resist Leah, his body and his mind are in constant conflict. If you're not meant to be together, maybe you should tell your inner wolf, Rex, because he doesn't seem to be paying attention to the rules. I love how Leah describes him as the "fun police" and helps to bring a smile to his usually scowling face. Rex makes me wish I could just run into the forest whenever life becomes too much. It sounds like fun! If you love a man who growls if any other man shows interest in his girl, then ravishes you in a room full of mirrors, this grumpy boy has you covered! Pick up this book if you like sexy shifter men, grumpy sunshine trope and touch her and die vibes.

Favourite quote from Rex:
"She's just so happy. How can someone be that happy? ALL THE TIME. I'm not sure if I'll be able to cope with this every day. It's exhausting to be around. My wolf doesn't agree with me. He is preening under the praise of an attractive female. He thinks this is a great idea. She's hot, there is no missing that... and I'm sexually frustrated."
See my full review @mimigunnbooks
Profile Image for Gigi Foster.
1,116 reviews4 followers
October 11, 2022
Read on Radish. Loved this whole series! Rex and Leah are delightful together. Hope there will be more to the series.
Profile Image for Sue.
271 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2024
Been looking forward to Rex’s story and boy did it not disappoint!

Rex’s fated mate dumped him, causing him to spiral. Every time she was with another man, he felt the pain through their fragile bond. A bond he knew he had to break, but was reluctant to do so, reluctant to give up on his dream of having a mate, pups and a home.

Human, Leah, is thrust to work alongside the grumpy and quiet Rex. She’s wanted him since she first saw him. If only he wasn’t so hung up on his ex…

Such a great angsty, but not too blood boiling, book. Rex deserved Leah and I’m so glad that his human side recognized Leah for who she was. His wolf just needed that final severance from b!txh face.

Cannot wait for playboy Nathan’s book and Alpha Blake, of course. So happy that my prediction from Book 1 on who Alpha Blake’s mate would be came true!
Profile Image for Karma .
6 reviews
August 3, 2025
The Leading lady who is set up to be this smart hard hard-working businesswoman woman is an idiot who lets people walk all over her. The main man is a whiny child who throws violent temper tantrums and has so many red flags he could be the poster boy for what to avoid in a man. The sex scenes were fine but lackluster. I was so annoyed by our main characters because it felt like they had no chemistry and the banter that they would share had me rolling my eyes at the absurdity of it. But in the end, it doesn't matter how awful they are for each other because they are "fated mates" and they love each other which makes all this bad behavior fine in the end. *throws up in mouth* No, no it does not. Overall not worth the read.
1,608 reviews14 followers
October 25, 2022
Reece is still trying to overcome the rejection by his mate. He is struggling with control of his wolf and doesn’t always feel safe around others.
Leah puts out the persona of a bright and bubbly person but that is not always who she is. She is ready to have a new start, she isn’t sure if Grey Ridge is the right place, until Hayley shows her a picture of Reece!
Leah sees who Reece really is, whilst Reece sees the real person hiding under that bubbly persona.
Both Reece and Leah are great characters and are so much fun to read.
I love this world that Reece has created, along with the subtle hints for characters that will having upcoming books in this or future series!
Profile Image for COG.
36 reviews
March 29, 2025
This is a must read for shifter fans! Her characters are exceptional in both this book and the series so far. Although the books can be read as standalone stories, I feel this one sits better as part of the series. Mainly due to the groundwork for the characters and back story laid down in previous books. So Reece Barden newbies start with Alphas Saviour and enjoy the full experience of the Grey Ridge pack and its clever interlinking stories. I guarantee the heroes will light a fire within you and this novel has a heavy helping of steam and drama but is also a particularly funny and endearing addition to the series. An absolute page turner, that will have you begging for more!
Profile Image for H.D. Bergen.
Author 3 books33 followers
November 24, 2023
Back at Grey Ridge for book three.

I was so excited for Rex and Leah's story and it did not disappoint! There is this crazy instant connection between the two, but Rex is still suffering from the rejection of his fated mate.

It seems like there is something more between the two than just chemistry, meaning they both have to face some difficult decisions. The heat turns up when they finally come together.

The author again brings glimpses of the former couples and more characters into the mix, and I would have loved to see more of Leila and Marcus.
663 reviews2 followers
January 30, 2024
This series continues to pleasantly surprise to me. I thought this book was just as good as the last, maybe a tad bit better! Just a classic shifter romance, with a cute grumpy/sunshine twist. I’ve been waiting for Rex’s story, and I liked him as a character. Nothing mind-blowing, but definitely a fun little read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
393 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2025
Still enjoying the series but find myself skim reading more and more. I pretty much skip the sex scenes as they're essentially the same in each book.

Having every MMC say "good girl" to their FMC during sexy times makes me want to gag.

Also a bit over everyone being super hot.

But still liking it enough to continue.
Profile Image for Chloe Zhong.
226 reviews
April 22, 2025
yeah no... I was over it around half way (basically skimmed from there)
I liked Rex and Leah in the first book, but this one ruined it. Leah lowkey got on my nerves when she thew herself at this man from day 1. also it wasn't explicitly said, but I think there's an age gap...

also where are the alternative covers 😭

Profile Image for Jenny.
227 reviews3 followers
April 12, 2025
It was meh. I wasn't fond of the heroine (too bratty and flirty with all the men). I liked the second mate trope, but the showdown with Stacey was lackluster. I didn't read the first two books, but I don't think it would have made a difference.
Profile Image for Joanna.
135 reviews
January 3, 2025
Not much happening in the plot. It’s pretty much just a continuation (closure?) of the story from the last book, but I def enjoyed this one more. For obvious reasons. 🌶️
Profile Image for Elliot.
124 reviews
August 3, 2025
3.4⭐️

I really liked this book. I mean, there are a few things that made me cringe, but overall I'd say this is probably my favorite out of this series.

Leah is wonderful and a great FMC. Her positive, enthusiastic and happy energy just makes her a very likable character, well, to me at least. She's strong willed and stands up for what she believes in and doesn't take any shit. Though I gotta say, she came on way too strong in the beginning. Like when she and Rex were introduced she was just... too on him. He was literally giving her "don't get near me" vibes but she just found that interesting and a challenge?? 😐😑😐 No.

I feel like that reaction to someone who's gonna be your coworker is just not realistic and it rubbed me the wrong way. Overall, disregarding that, I did like her. And her reaction to the whole werewolf thing did feel realistic. I feel like characters in books always freak out over that, and maybe that's realistic, I don't know, but this felt more real to me. Maybe because I've been obsessed with werewolves for years, but who knows.

And Rex🤭 I love him. I don't care what anyone says. I've been waiting on his story since the first book and this did not disappoint. Yeah, he did fuck up quite a bit at times (especially answering a call from his ex / fated mate while he was doing things to Leah), but I feel like he realized what he did was wrong and made up for it.

I also love the idea of a second chance mate. I don't think I've ever read a book with something like that, and I just think it's a lovely concept. Being "forced" to be with one person even if you don't like them always makes me uncomfortable, like I love the idea of mates, that there's someone literally made for you, but who decides that? I mean yeah, you can reject them, but it'll hurt. Anyways. Second chance mates are wonderful is what I'm getting at.

The conflict keeping the main characters apart was an actual valid issue, and not just miscommunication, which I loved.

I'm still waiting on Blake's book, and I mean, I've had this incline that Zoe is his mate for a few reasons. Well, mainly one lmao. Blake's reaction to Hayley in the first book and their continued bond. Like come on. That has to be it, right? I could be wrong but I don't think I am, and I'm really hoping I'm not because I feel like they'd work great together. Not that I have much to go on, but I feel what I feel, okay?😔

All in all, good book, definitely the one I've liked the most so far. Will 100% read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.