I wish GR offered half stars like eRead does. I would rate this 3.5 or 3.75. The series is interesting, but I didn't feel the relationship strength at the level described. I don't feel there was enough support to warrant the level of emotion between the two. Still, I look forward to the next book. 
 ADDENDUM: 
 Rereading both the Alpha & Omega and Mercy series has made me realize that I underrated these books in my original review.