Alpha's Second Chance

Shifter Nation: Werebears Of The Everglades #1

by Meg Ripley

Owen thought he had his life all figured out. He was the Head Ranger of the beautiful Everglades National Park, Alpha of a loyal bear clan and alone. Since saying goodbye to Addie years ago, he’s never found love again--and he doesn’t want to. Determined to focus on his career and clan, his plan was working fine. Until she wanders into his park and back into his life. Addie has just graduated college and is heading off to the park to celebrate by camping with friends. When she runs into her first love, all feelings of heartbreak resurface. She does her best to move on and enjoy her girls’ vacation, but struggles when she realizes she’s not over Owen after all. Addie hopes to rekindle things with Owen, and deep down, Owen wants the same, but his secret has forced him to shut her out from his heart. How could things ever change between them if the truth stays hidden? With new forces coming against them both, will they be able to rely on each other and give their love a second chance, or are things really over for good? Alpha's Second Chance is a standalone 30,000 word novella with steamy shifter scenes written for readers age 18 and over.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Paranormal, Second Chance, Shapeshifters

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 19, 2018

About the author

Grab a free copy of Alpha's Midlife Baby, the prequel to the Fated Over Forty series, when you sign up for Meg's newsletter ==> https://www.authormegripley.com

Meg Ripley is an author of steamy shifter romances. A Seattle native who’s relocated to New England, she can often be found whipping up her next tale curled up in a local coffee house with a cappuccino and her laptop.

Reviews

[Jenniekenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I LOVED THIS NEW BOOK BY MEG RIPLEY! Addie and her friends have just graduated from college and go on vacation in the Everglades where they run into Owen, Addie's ex. Owen is a shifter and had to break up with her because she isn't. I don't want to ruin any secrets but Meg delivers on a great story and a new clan of characters. I look forward to reading more in this series. I received an ARC for an honest review!

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rated
3 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐
Good Read
Kindle Unlimited

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen and Addie had been in love since they were 14, but interfering parents broke them apart when they went to college. Now, 4 years later, they meet again and still feel strongly for each other. Problems with different shifters as well as his parents' edict Owen does not know what to do until it comes to a point where Addie is threatened.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. An interesting, entertaining story with well defined characters. The story is partly sweet, partly fast-paced and keeps the reader guessing and wanting more.

[Catrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Addie and Owen’s story. True love, conflict and chaos...a twist like you wouldn’t believe... I’m a seasoned reader and I never expected that (fight scene). Addie and Owen’s story is about the “one” you always regret letting get away and finding your second chance. This book will keep you on your toes. You’ll never know what to expect. I wish the book was longer!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jenni · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with Shifters and mates and trouble around every corner. Nothing will keep these mates apart except miscommunication.

The pages kept turning because I wanted to know what happened.

These books are quick and easy reads.

Keeping a secret has never been so big.

Enjoy!

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Alpha’s Second Chance is the fast paced, steamy romance between Owen and Addie, high school sweethearts since the age of 14. Owen had every intention of marrying Addie and living their own happy ever after right after high school – but his parent’s intervention, a unique Alpha rule for their bear clan got in the way of that happy ending. As they were set to go off to different colleges he broke it off with a lame excuse of distance – but he knew he was setting her free because he could not marry her. And if he couldn’t marry Addie he had no intention of marrying at all, Alpha or not.

Now, years later, Addie and two friends have come to the Everglades for a “just graduated from college” vacation before facing that real world with jobs and schedules set in stone. Being back in the Everglades brought back memories of the boy, the man she’d never stopped loving – even if he didn’t want her any more. When she runs into Owen it’s as though nothing has changed. But they both have. This time around Addie wants answers if not closure with the man she’ll love until her last day on earth. An ongoing feud with another shifter clan is going to put Addie and Owen right in the middle of danger… and a startling discovery. Maybe there were second chances after all.

I had fun with Alpha’s Second Chance. Owen and Addie were believable, and the secondary characters were interesting and made this story come alive. Some danger, definitely steamy moments and a love that never should have been denied make this an entertaining and simply fun story to get lost in for a bit. I would definitely recommend this story to any Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance reader who loves a good story, likable characters, a touch of danger and a love that deserves a second chance.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen got an early start on his run in bear form through the Everglades National Park so that he could beat the rising heat and the bugs. He and his second-in-command, Ezra, communicated through their shifter mind link about an update from the evening before. Then we went to the ranger station and responded to an emergency to rescue an 8-year-old stuck in the mud and grasses. It was going to be a busy day!

Addie, Emma, and Julie had just graduated from college and were taking a week’s vacation in the Everglades. They set up the tent and got into hiking gear. Along the trail, Addie heard an odd sound and the girls followed it to an injured white Ibis. It looked like its leg was broken, and Addie called the ranger station for help. Two rangers drove up and Addie found herself speechless! She had not seen Owen in four years, since their break-up in high school. Worse yet, when they left, Emma and Julie wanted every single detail about how she knew him! For both of them, the old chemistry was still there. And Addie still wasn’t aware of the real reason that Owen had to let her go 4 years ago – for the same compelling reason that would keep them apart now!

I enjoyed this book. The high school love reminiscence certainly brings back memories to many of us! The characters were very likable, the author made you care about them; and the story line was a good one about a possible second chance at love. But in this one, there were complications because of Owen’s not only being a shifter but also being an Alpha. Get your copy and see if there is any hope for the two of them, especially when it’s obvious they still have feelings for each other. What twist of fate could offer them any hope now?

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an arc program. This was a second chance romance between Owen and Addie. Owen and Addie were high school sweethearts who dated throughout high school and wanted to be together forever. They broke up after graduation and Owen never really told Addie why, she thought it was because he was going away for college and didn't want to try to have a long distance relationship. When Addie graduated college, she and her friends decided to go camping in the Everglades park before they started their careers. Addie was still unsure what she wanted to do, but she knew she wanted to do something with the outdoors. On a hike, they found an injured bird and called the park rangers. Addie was surprised to find the ranger was Owen, and she still had feelings for him. Owen had his reasons for breaking Addie's heart and hated he couldn't be with her. When Owen sees her, he still has feelings for her and he tries to avoid her for the time she is there. When Owen learns Addie went to a party with Aiden, he wants to tell her to stay away from Aiden, but knows he can't. Addie decides she doesn't like Aiden very much and she wants to talk to Owen to see if they could try again or if not, she can move on. When trouble comes, Owen wants to protect Addie and secrets are revealed. I liked this book, I liked how Owen wanted to still be with Addie and how she still loved him. This was a good story and I would like to see more from this series and the other rangers. Another good one.

[MJM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen left Addie, his mate, because she didn't realise that he was a bear shifter and he knows that he can't keep it from her so he foregoes what his heart wants and leaves her.  He has a job as Head Ranger and life goes on. But Addie has now finished college and is in the area with some of her friends celebrating.  But secrets generally do get revealed and Addie finds out his secret when the croc shifters start a turf war as they want ALL of the park!  Will Addie turn away from Owen as she really only wants to be with him?  With such danger does Owen declare his feelings and beg her to stay with him??  I loved the interactions between these two young people.  So perfect for each other and true love will win out!  Meg Ripley has that rare talent of making her characters come alive so that I feel as if I almost 'know' them.  This is such a well written story that flows so smoothly and is so much better than watching a film.  This is a must have read and one that I had trouble putting down when my 'real life' prevented me from reading!. With so much love between them, surely they can find a way to have their own HEA?  To find out get yourself a copy and enjoy. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Definitely Recommended

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bear shifters are one of my favorite shifters and this story also includes love...so it's a favorite all the way around.

Owen and Addie were high school sweethearts that had to part when the went onto college. They parted due to distance or so Owen gave that excuse to Addie because long distance relationships just don't pan out. Unbeknownst to Addie, Owen breaks with her because he's a bear shifter and she's human, and his clan will not allow the Alpha or future Alpha to marry a non-shifter.

When they meet up again after Addie has graduated from college and is on vacation at the Everglades, they find that feelings are just as hot for each other. However, things have not changed as far as Owen is concerned so that even though Addie tries to let him know she still loves him, Owen turns her away.

Story is sweet and intense and has some action in it from another shifter clan that wants to take over the bears' territory. Short, but nicely written with a good story line, some action and lots of feelings running amok.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! Such a beautiful story of first love! Addie and Owen met in high school when they were 14. They were inseparable throughout those years. When they graduated, Addie was going to go to college only two hours away. Owen found out that although he dearly loved Addie, could not make her his wife because one day he would be the alpha of his bear clan and the alpha did not marry non shifter. So he broke things off with Addie and for years he has suffered. Then one day while doing his job as head Ranger he meets up with Addie once again. At this point both realize that they haven;t gotten over the other. But to Owen he still can;t have Addie again due to the rule of being the head alpha. One night, the crocs in the area decide to take over the park and to do so they are going to hold Addie;s life over Owen;s head. What happens next literally stuns Owen and changes his life completely!
Fantastic story!!! Loved the characters and the author so draws you in to the story that you want to hit Owen up alongside his head with a cast iron skillet!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silje · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this e-book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This read was so much better than expected. I started reading and didn't put it down until I was finished. It is the first Meg Ripley novel I have had the pleasure of reading and I will definitely go looking for more!

Some times it is truly hard, if not impossible, to forget one's first love. This is the exact problem for Owen and Addie. He broke it off after high school, blaming it on long distance, but it was duty to the clan that was the true problem. She never really got over him, so seeing him again after several years is quite a shock. This meeting rekindles emotions they both tried to hide, but how can they overcome the past and the secrets they both keep from the other?

Usually romance novels stick to a certain recipe and on most days you get what you expect, but not this time. Fair enough, there is a couple with issues that need to be resolved and there is a happy ever after, but also so much more. Duty, humor, best friends that think they know what is best for you and aren't afraid to tell you so and some real emotions. Best of all was the final twist that I for some reason did not see coming. I had anticipated something else, but I love it when I am surprised in a good way.

I can without a doubt recommend this novel to any shapeshifter romance lovers out there!

[Sheila Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will not restate the plot nor reveal any spoilers in this review.
Meg Ripley has found her niche in writing paranormal romances. ALPHA'S SECOND CHANCE is written well and has wonderful characters. The hero is depicted as an alpha male but he is also vulnerable and loyal. The duty to his clan has cost him his his high school sweetheart and he is still heartbroken when he comes face to face with her years later. The heroine does not understand that secrets and traditions are at the heart of their forbidden romance until events spiral out of control and the truth comes to light.
Meg Ripley has spun a romance that keeps you reading in hopes that both Owen and Addie find their HEA ending. No foul language and discreet sex scenes make this a clean read that you don't have to hide! Lol

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Jolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This book is part of the authors Werebears of the Everglades series.

Addie hasn’t had much luck with relationships, her 1st boyfriend was high school sweetheart Owen who dumped her to go to a different college. Owen is a bear shifter alpha, his parents told him he needed to end things with Addie as he was destined to be Alpha of the clan and he could not marry a non-shifter. They run into each other when they both finish college and both still are in love with each other. Aiden a croc shifter and enemy of Owen wants to date Addie, but Owen wants to tell her how bad Aiden will be for her. Trouble comes Addie’s way, Owen can protect her but his secret will be revealed. When Owen’s reason for dumping Addie comes out does that push her away or give them their second chance?

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero, Owen = 3/5
Heroine, Addie = 4/5
Secondary Characters = 4/5
Chemistry = 3/5
Sex = 3/5
Plot = 4/5
Mystery = 2/5
Action =  2/5
Darkness = 1/5
Humor = 1/5
Stars =  3.5 ☆ ☆ ☆
Would I recommend this book = Yes
Would I read future books by this author = Yes

Not a bad read for a shifter novella. This one involves bear and crocodile shifters. They can't get along and the crocs use Addie to get what they want from Owen's clan. Throw in a secret that might complicate things with the croc's plan. This secret though makes a world of a difference with Owen.
The connection between the two is there but Owen denies it because he follows the clan rules. I would have loved to have seen Owen and Addie more intimately. The action and drama was there but the passion not so much and that is what I look for most with a shifter book. The protective, dominate alpha type.

[Tessa Poffé · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book about werebears, about a couple that has spent as much time apart than they were together. They are still in love with each other. He broke up with her for duty and family, but explained it differently to her because of his big secret. She never understood why he broke up because there really wasn't a valid reason. It was a beautiful second chance romance story. It has a happy ending and a big surprise.True love can't be stopped. It's actually a forbidden love and a second chance story. The story is well written and I finished it in one day. This author was new to me but I'm looking forward to reading more of her books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story of high school sweethearts who are torn apart, then meet again years later and still feel that attraction. Owen and Addi have moved on, he’s a Head Ranger and she’s a graduate, but the obvious difference remains, he’s a bear shifter and she’s human. The course of true love never runs smooth and this is certainly the case for this duo but with the croc shifters starting to cause problems, will they ever have a chance to be together?

I loved the characters and their interactions, they felt so real and I was caught up and dragged along in their romance. The story was well written, interesting and engaging. A super read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

This is a wonderfully well-written shifter romance, Owen broke the love of his life's heart after high school by breaking up with her, his bear clan has rules about alphas and non shifters, so he did right by his clan. Now a couple years later, in the Everglades he is chief and manages the rangers. He meets Addie while she and her friends are celebrating end of college, the chemistry is still undeniable between them but the rules haven't changed.

I absolutely loved this story, love the way Meg Ripley writes. Wonderful characters, enough drama and intrigue, can't wait for more from the Everglades.

[Leopardwolf · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in this book just seem to jump out of the page and slap you around the face with a wet fish. I particularly loved the way that the characters felt real and true to life and the way they interacted with each other.
If only Owen and Addi could forget each other and the love they shared then they could move on with their lives. If only they could talk about what happened with their past relationship. And if only they could stop loving each other. But if only were horses these two would ride everywhere.
A fun read that I thoroughly enjoyed and that I would recommend to while away an hour or two.
I have received an arc copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review

[Jacqueline Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written shifter romance with some unexpected surprises. Owen is a Ranger and manager at the National Park. He is also the alpha of his clan. Addie just got her degree in ecology and is on a girls trip with her friends at the National Park. Owen and Addie dated in high school and she thought they would get married until he broke up with her. They have not seen each other for four years and she sees him at the park. This storyline keeps you turning the pages from beginning to end and the characters are fantastic. I loved the surprise towards the end that you won't see coming.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Owen and Addie were High School sweethearts. Owen wanted to marry her but just before he is going to ask her his parents tell hi that he can’t marry a human! So he breaks her heart and ends it. She moves away to college but after a few years she goes on vacation and it just so happens to be where he is the head Ranger. He keeps pushing her away as nothing has changed for him but things have changed for Addie.
Then the crocodile shifters cause trouble and the secret is revealed.
This is a great book which I really enjoyed, I really felt for Owen when he had to break up with Addie and she never got over him.
“I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book"

[💋Meme Chanell Book Corner💋 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen enjoys being alone and loves everything in his life is good or so he thought. His first love Addie and some friends are camping at the park he works at they run into each other and they both are quite not over each other. They both secretly want each other but Owen has a big secret and if he wants a relationship with her he needs to tell her this secret but how will Addie react but Addie may also have a small surprise for Owen she may or may not be what he thinks she is. I liked this story and I would recommend it to anyone that likes shifter romances. I voluntarily received an arc copy through Booksprout for my honest review.

[Christina Luberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short read. We have Addie and Owen who were high school sweethearts. Owen being the Alpha's son had to break up with Addie, even though he loved her so much. Addie was very heart broken when Owen broke up with her, but went on to college. Addie and her friends decide to go camping in the Everglades, never expecting to see Owen as the ranger there. What will happen? Can Owen stay away from Addie? Can Addie accept that Owen loves her, but does not want to be with her? What will Owen do when he finds out that his arch enemy likes Addie too? Can Owen protect her or will she protect him?

[Ann Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Meg Ripley for a while and this book doesn’t disappoint. I can’t really say it was a sweet story because there is some violence, but it is a sweet story without it. Addie and Owen still love each other but can’t be together because Addie isn’t a shifter. As long as Owen is the alpha he is forbidden to marry her. Sounds kind of standard for this genre, but there is an interesting twist that I didn’t expect at all.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mawgan Dipple · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an arc and this is my volunteered review.
I don't normally read books about shifters but I really enjoyed it.
Owen and Addie were high school sweethearts but before going off to college he broke things off. 4 years later they meet again the love is still there but Owen can't tell her the real reason why they can't be together. There is a battle for land and leadership between the bears and crocs and Addie gets drawn in to it.
The twists of the tale i didn't see coming and made for an interesting read.

[Elizabeth Mularski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no requirement for leaving a review. This review is being left voluntarily and any and all thoughts are my honest opinions on this book and the authors work. It has been a little bit since I have read a Meg Ripley book and I still love her writing. The writing is smooth and is executed flawlessly. The storyline was a great shifter romance with some action thrown in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Daniella · Rating 5 out of 5]

True love finds a way, but four years ago Addie and Owen probably couldn't have imagined it. Circumstances kept them apart then, and now, even when that first spark still glow just beneath the surface, it's obvious they still care about one another. But the thing that kept them apart years ago, are still factors today. Wonderfully written and populated with great characters, I highly recommend this engaging book. Super heartfelt and interesting. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great shifter book by Meg Ripley. This author writes great story-lines with well-built characters that are believable as well as likable. I loved the High school sweetheart angle where they break-up and go off to college and then meet again and get a second chance. Like every other book I have read by this author, once started I couldn't put it down. She writes great shifter stories. So if you also enjoy paranormal romance with bear shifters then you will love this book.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meg Ripley has done it again with this book. Second chance for Owen and Addie who were high school sweet hearts who were forced to separate when they went to college. Owen gave the reason as distance but it was because that as a bear shifter and future Alpha he can't marry a human. They haven't ever gotten over each other. Will need to grab a copy to find out what happens. Couldn't put down once started to read amazing book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Werebears of the Everglades

I enjoyed reading Werebears of Acadia and now reading this series is just amazing. Alpha Owen Bailey had to break his own heart after high school graduation with his love, Addie Pearson. Because Addie wasn’t a shifter and Owen wasn’t allowed to marry a non-Shifter, Owen didn’t realize he would get a second chance when he sees Addie four years later. Addie needing closure from her one true love, sets out to find it only to encounter several unfortunate events.