The Witness and the Bear

Bear Valley Shifters #1

by T.S. Joyce

Hannah Michaels is on the run, and the protection detail assigned to her case have her wondering who, or what, she’s trusting her life with. After testifying against a criminal with a long reach, her days are numbered if her handler, Jeremy, can’t find a safe place for her. Out of options and with nowhere to go, she’s dropped off in the Big Horn Mountains of Montana with a duffle bag of her belongings and little explanation.

Jeremy swears she’ll be safe in this wilderness sanctuary, but when she meets Benson Riker, leader of the bear shifter clan of Big Horn Valley, she doesn’t feel safe at all. In fact, the man is just about as feral as they come.

In a bout of epically bad timing, she accidentally vies to be mated to the alpha, and no matter how much she tries to escape the competition for Riker’s affection, he is having none of it. He cites upholding clan law as his reasons for wanting her to stay, but the hungry look in his eyes says it’s more personal than that.

Weathering deep secrets and danger from all sides, she’ll have to decide if Riker is the shifter who deserves her heart.

A Hot Bear Shifter Romance.

Genres: Shapeshifters, Paranormal, Romance, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy, Contemporary, Erotica

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2014

About the author

T.S. Joyce is devoted to bringing hot shifter romances to readers. Hungry alpha males are her calling card, and the wilder the men, the more she'll make them pour their hearts out. She werebear swears there'll be no swooning heroines in her books. It takes tough-as-nails women to handle the shifters of Bear Valley.

She lives in a tiny town, outside of a tiny city, and devotes her life to writing big stories. Foodie, bear whisperer, ninja, thief of tiny bottles of awesome smelling hotel shampoo, nap connoisseur, movie fanatic, and zombie slayer, and most of this bio is true.

Bear Shifters? Check
Smoldering Alpha Hotness? Double Check
Sexy Scenes? Fasten up your girdles, ladies and gents, it's gonna to be a wild ride.

Reviews

[Nikki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Um, This was not for me. I love shifter books and I enjoy when I find ones that have a different take on the paranormal community, but I abhor cheating so the fact that the alpha had to have sex with both women before their laws would allow him to choose his mate, meaning he cheated on his mate, was not agreeable with me. And I understand insta love happens frequently in pnr books, but seriously? After a day she (the human leading lady) knew she loved him? It felt way too quick for me. The other major issue I had was that she had been shot in the chest just days before meeting the alpha hero and not long after was engaging in vigorous activity, and not just the sexy kind, and there wasn't much mentioned on the fact that she had a gaping hole in her chest.... Hmmm. The next book in this series was actually the first to catch my eye so I will still give that one a try.

I'd also like to point out that in the blurb on amazon it states: **No cheating hero. Monogamous bear shifter romance.** which is misleading.

[Lady Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of T.S. Joyce's first books (written in 2014).
Even though I enjoyed the story and the characters, I didn't connect to the characters in this story as I immediately did in her recent books (written in 2015, 2016).

(For me) This book had a NA angst to it, which is something I really don't enjoy reading.

Gawd, I hate that knot in the stomach feeling when the alpha-lead male is being a douche, and ruining my lead female's HEA!

I think this is a testament in how much the author has improved in her craft!
She's beginning to soar, and I can't wait to read what she publishes next.
I'm seriously stalking all her books and devouring them as fast as I buy them.

[Talltree]

H cheats

[Amaranthine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the concept of this novella, but I really feel like there was too much crammed into too short a story. I enjoyed the heroine and felt that her reactions to everything—from grief at the loss of friends and family, and being on the run, to learning that shifters exist—were realistic. She just seemed very present and real. My issue is that the hero did not. He wasn’t very well fleshed out and never read as alpha to me.

At one point in the story the hero is forced, by clan rules and tradition, to have sex with another woman. And as I typed that sentence, I realized how stupid it sounds, but it does make sense in the story. So much so, that for the first time ever in any book, I was willing to give someone a pass for “cheating”. I wasn’t happy about it, but I accepted the fact that it was not avoidable. My issue is with how it actually played out in the story. Do I believe that given a choice between cheating on the woman he loves and losing his clan that an alpha hero would screw someone else? Sure. Do I believe that said “alpha” would willing allow the other woman to boss him around, talk down to him, manipulate, and tie him to a bed? Yeah, NO.

I also didn’t like the way the ending played out, but honestly at that point I was totally over it because of the hero’s behavior anyway.

[Hollie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read a lot of reviews about the hero in this one cheating on the heroine, but in the version I read, that didn't occur. It was close, but didn't happen. I'm guessing the writer did a re-write to correct this issue? While I'm glad she did this (cause no one likes a hero that cheats, especially after her meets his mate.....regardless of circumstances) this story still didn't work for me. It felt like dozens of other shifter reads I've read. The plot was predictable and flat. The characters had cardboard/generic feel to them. Throw in some insta-love and this book is what you get. I wasn't impressed at all. I didn't care about any of the characters or the storyline. It just felt like something was missing something. I never at any point was emotionally invested in this read. I won't be continuing this series nor would I recommend it. I rounded this up to a 2 star rather than 1 because I got this as a freebie, and even though I didn’t enjoy it, I did manage to complete it.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy with a touch of Danger

Hannah is on the run from men trying t kill her. Her handler Jeremy takes her to a compound of bear shifters.

Riker is the Alpha who must find a mate of lose his position. When Jeremy shows and asks for help, Riker denies them. Well Hannah is left in a bad spot when Jeremy makes her leave the car before he drives off.

Hannah is pushed inside the circle and is considered for the position of mate.

[Jeanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't know if the author did a rewrite, but no cheating in this book. Even if there was 'cheating', it wouldn't have been because it was clan law. Grow up people, it's like saying any sex before marriage is cheating. Otherwise the book isn't my style, her easy acceptance of his last 'betrayal' to save her life was ridiculous. She didn't even hardly get mad.

[Gail Koger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice short, entertaining read. I liked it so much I bought the next two.

[Maria (semi hiatus)]

Note to self: cheating!

Skimmed this one because some reviews said sex with OW, some said no sex with OW. The version I skimmed through had a full on sex scene with OW. He got hard for OW, rolled on a condom and penetrated her. She was riding him and he was thrusting for his release but couldn’t finish. How romantic 🤮 What bothered me the most was the heroine not giving a damn. She gave him permission to have sex with OW, because that’s his clan’s law. She was basically like “I hate the idea of you and her, but oh well it’s your law so you must my dear.” 🙄 Afterwards he said “I did it. I was with her, you must hate me now.” She didn’t even blink an eye or felt hurt, it was like “You had no other option, let’s get you home.. I love you.” Okay 🤦🏼‍♀️ What sane woman would ever react like that?! It just didn’t make any sense. The cheating scene didn’t make any sense if this was the outcome of it.

Everyone debating whether it’s cheating or not, decide for yourself. The hero already chose the heroine to be his mate, they both wanted to be with each other, but because the law says he must sleep with another woman to make up his mind he did. Can’t see this as anything else but cheating. His dick got hard for the OW didn’t it. 🤢

[Darcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was just ok for me. Not sure exactly what made things a bit blah, maybe the compound, maybe how the alpha picked a mate or maybe how quickly things were wrapped up. I did like Hannah and how she dealt with things and her budding friendship with Jenny.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining shifter romance.


Hannah Michaels life is not going to plan, she's in a witness protection programme and it soon becomes apparent to her handler Jeremy that nowhere is safe so in a last ditch attempt to save her life he takes her to the one place he knows she will be safe, a wilderness sanctuary where bear shifters live.
Benson Riker is the alpha and he can't believe Jeremy has not only dared to show his face on clan lands but that he's brought a human along as well a human he needs to stay away from because even at first sight he knows she could be his undoing.
I enjoyed this read, there were a couple of things I wasn't too keen on revolving around Merit, seemed a little far-fetched and well....crazy and having read the reviews on Goodreads I'm wondering if there's been a re-write because some reviewers are adamant he did and some say he didn't, thankfully in my version he didn't but I still wasn't thrilled, I'm not spoiling the plot because it does say in the blurb 'no cheating hero, monogamous bear shifter romance' anyway it's a nice easy shifter romance and who knows I may continue on and read the next book 'Devoted to the bear'

[Rachel · Rating 1 out of 5]

You used to be my favorite author. The loyalty between mates but this is disgusting and a disaster. He mates his mate and then screws merit! I threw up when I read that he was getting turned on for her. He doesn’t deserve Hannah. Screw clan rules. Screw this book. I can’t take another chance another book of yours will be like this. I’m so ashamed of this being a paranormal romance. Mates can’t get hard for others or feel physical attraction. That why mates are awesome but this male is no mate. And the worst part is that Hannah will take him back. So so so gross.

[Beck Santa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have to say after sleeping with the other woman and clearly cheating...I will not be reading anymore from this series. I understand it's just a book...but i have no desire to read about womanizing in any way.

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The h is on the run from evil OM when she's taken to hide with shifters. The H falls for her but they have to overcome OW drama. I liked that the H changed his world/pack for her. Different vibe to other zany shifter stories by this author.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad

The 1st 60% I loved but after that it started to go down hill a bit for me. Usually I think all T.S books are 4 or 5 stars because I love her writing and love getting lost in the world she creates. There have been some that were not 4 or 5 stars and this just happened to be one of them. I’m not going to say what I didn’t like other than it seemed to become more rushed... big bad things happened let’s make it a bit crappier show love go home where we belong HEA...? I mean I wanted the we came home welcomed back. Jenny aka Bensons sister was happy they did dinner or big huge welcome to the clan party or glad your still alive.. idk

[Gwen (The Gwendolyn Reading Method) · Rating 3 out of 5]

An early TS Joyce work. You can tell she hasn't quite developed her distinct style yet. But still cute.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, light on steam

Terrific read from start to finish. I am always up for a smexy grumpy bear! The only reason it is not 5 stars is the, for lack of a better term, cheating. It is not a real cheat, but still not a happy moment.

Hannah has a lot of gumption and serious spirit. Even when she is at her lowest moment, she still fights back. She faces down danger again and again.

Riker is such a delicious grouchy bear! I have a weakness for the Alpha types. I wish we had more of his POV throughout the story. I understand why we could not be in on his thoughts at one point, but to have his narrative after would have been great.

This is mostly from Hannah's POV, with a couple glimpses into her man. I wish it were a more even mix of narrative.

The smexy scenes are open bedroom door, but not detailed. I wish it were just a touch hotter. This would not qualify as erotic in my book. Things get steamy for a hot second and then move onto tell with no show.

I enjoyed the overall story and am very interested in seeing what happens next in Bear Valley. This book put me through the ringer a few times. Have tissues handy and enjoy the ride!

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witnessing a murder by a man well connected, Hannah Michaels had no choice but to testify against him and find herself in witness protection. With promises made that she would be safe, but since the day placed in the program she has been a target and now her handler knows there is only one place she will be safe, Big Horn Valley in Montana.

When Jeremy shows up with Hannah, clan alpha Benson Riker rejects his plea to take her in. Left with no choice, Jeremy does something drastic which leads to Hannah in the mix for a mating claim to none other than Benson Riker. Benson's bear knows Hannah is meant to be his mate, but the man isn't sure she can handle his being a shifter or staying with him in Montana. However, Benson has never met a woman like Hannah who has no problem confronting Benson about what she feels and Benson knows she will capture his heart and his soul if he lets her.

This was an extremely fun read. I wasn't sure what was going to happen in the story because of the mating claim laws and it kept me on the edge of my seat. Hannah is a firecracker and had several laugh out loud moments, while Benson is more intense she has a way of calming the intense man.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riker that boy has tons of self control, "her sniffles trailed her and he shook his head as his bear fought to go after his mate." Hannah that girl is not your average girl and doesn't take crap from anyone, "excellent. And where are your damned clothes, Riker? Do all of you just waltz around with your perfect bodies and...Merit. She's a bear too, right? That's why you're supposed to pick her?" I mean she's really not like other girls, "so let me get this straight. You just found out I turn into a bear, and you're jealous because you thought I spent the night with another woman?" I'm going to like this series.

[Danielle Gypsy Soul · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, although I could have done without all the angst on the will he have to sleep with another women due to clan laws. I found the storyline believable and enjoyable. I liked both the H and h and thought there was a good job of balancing a storyline with the romance. I went out and picked up the next book as soon as I finished this one.


*Spoiler* I don't think he actually did sleep with another woman, he changed into his bear and never actually had sex with her because she was trying to force him. I'm not sure where the other readers got the idea that he did, or that he was "enjoying" it. I certainly never got that idea from the book.***

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yay! Another series of shifter by one of my new favorite authors!

The Witness and the Bear (Bear Valley Shifters Book 1

Can a city human under witness protection survive when a dirty NYPD cop sells out her whereabouts to the man she sent to the pen who has a hit out on her?

Unbenownst to her, her bodyguard is a rogue shifter who takes her to his old clan to beg sanctuary for her as a last resort.

Hannah knows she's toast, but will her death come at the hands of assassins or the shifters who will stop at nothing to protect their clan from the outside world?

Great, great, great!

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this Author!!

The first time I read this book's synopsis and reviews I decided not to read it because one of them said the protagonist was not a monogamist but I've enjoyed the rest of her books so much that I decided to come back and take another look at these beginning series. I'm so glad I did. This book was heart wrenching in places an our heroine is made of steel but it is an amazing book and I know for a fact that the next in the series is even better!!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the beginning...

The Witness and the Bear is a great beginning to this shifter series. It is so far unlike other books by TS Joyce. The background story had a dark and gritty feel, but the characters were 100% Joyce. There was humor, strong female lead, a sometimes @$$hole alpha (but still hot and sexy), and enough action to keep you reading throughout the night. If you're into hot bear paranormal romances (even if you're not) this is just the book for you.

[Jumoke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad i read it!

So first of all, i gotta say i was almost discouraged by the low star reviewers who griped about a cheating H! where? Who? Maybe TS Joyce rewrote the book? Anyway, I'm glad i love her work enough to still go ahead to read it. It can't compare to some of her later/ recent series but i enjoyed it anyway. If this was her first book i read, my opinion wouldn't change, weldone & keep getting better TS Joyce!

[SheLove2Read · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the plot devices the author used to further the story really didn't work for me. The hero has to sleep with another woman before he can decide who is his mate, even though he's already chosen the heroine. I also thought everything happened a bit too quickly - it would have benefited from a few more chapters.

[Michele Murray · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story was not good

The story was not good

well written..but really a hero that betrays her at every turn, though with the intention of saving her and she forgive a him even every time. seriously you survive hit men but fail to stand up to one cranky bear.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is nothing not to love about T S Joyce's writing and the stories she creates for her characters. Great romances, great sex and great love. Riker is just about as sexy as they come and Hannah was his equal as his mate. Great read.

[Hanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, this was a first for me. As in the first book by this author that I didn't like at all.
I absolutely adored about 98% of the 23 books I've read so far (19 Damon's Mountains+4 Kaid Ranch)
At first it read a bit like a dry run of the Sawbears, e.g. Brooke and Tagan's story.
But it became apparent very quickly that it held none of the charm, fun and laughter of the future books. The story itself was chaotic and messy, half the time I had no idea where they were or how they got to certain place. You know, basic logistics, continuity and such things, like keeping the mc's name straight - they kept alternating between Benson and Benton!
I quite liked Hannah, Ryker not so much.
I know these stories are meant to be OTT insta-love, but come on, even there you've got to have limits. For one thing she's been running scared for over a year and just now barely escaped with her life, is still banged up including a hole in her chest and yet she's already running around the woods, falling in love and getting frisky with her guy all within 24 hours?
I never warmed up to Ryker, for him to even consider the whole Marit situation... unbelievable! It also didn't make any sense to me why he freaked out in such a way. The minute he saw what she had planned he could've backed out or at the very least simply broke free at any point. His panic just seemed very out of character.
And then after that it was never really dealt with again and Marit seemling disappears quietly into the night... yeah, right
Up until then I would've still considered giving a 3star review, it was that last stunt that ultimately spoiled it for me. Even knowing that something else was going on didn't make it any better. Nor his lame-ass excuse afterwards and her just taking it like that made me like her just a little bit less as well.

Clearly, it just goes to show that it takes some time to find your voice, style etc as a writer

[ZETTER · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unexpected Sanctuary!!!

Hannah Michaels, a witness who saw too much and found herself in witness protection with her handler, Jeremy and a security detail who weren't any match for the dangerous people who were after her. When Jeremy couldn't find a safe place for her because the criminal she'd testified against (Stone) had eyes and ears everywhere. He promised her safety in the sanctuary of a Bear shifter Clan in the Big Horn Mountains of Montana.

Benson Riker, a Bear shifter and Alpha of the bear shifter clan of Big Horn Valley wasn't too happy when Jeremy showed up with a human woman on Clan land asking for sanctuary. After what went down in the pass, he refused them. Left with no choice, Jeremy did what was best for Hannah.

The latter found herself unknowingly being a contestant for mating Benson thanks to the Alpha's sister, Jenny. He was drawn to Hannah and vice versa, his inner animal already chose his mate. Now it was just a matter of telling her and see what she would do with that piece of tidbit.

Well they all got their answer when she took things a little better tgan when Jenny's husband, Blaine found out about their secret. Benson and Hannah continued to grow closer, they were mates. They still had to face some hurdles before they got get some peace and quiet.

THE WITNESS AND THE BEAR is the first book in T. S. Joyce's BEAR VALLEY SHIFTERS series. It was fabulously amazing, interesting and a marvelous way to start off the series. T. S. Joyce did a phenomenal job!