Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Bear Valley Shifters #3

Return to the Bear

Rate this book
In the thrilling third book in the Bear Valley Shifters saga, Joanna is trying to survive in a clan of battle-hardened bear shifters, where the alpha wants her for his own.

When Brody Bannister, Benson Riker's most trusted councilman, accuses her clan of holding Hannah Michaels hostage in their camp, Joanna must decide where her loyalty lies. Should she help the handsome stranger save Hannah at the risk of her own life? Or should she accept her destiny and take the throne as her alpha's mate?

Filled with adventure, action, romance and redemption, Return of the Bear will take Joanna on a journey of self-discovery to Bear Valley, with a mate who just might prove true love exists after all.


A Hot Shifter Romance

Content Warning: explicit love scenes and language.
Adult only bear shifter adventure.


- Coming August 2014 -

119 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 30, 2014

279 people are currently reading
316 people want to read

About the author

T.S. Joyce

160 books3,450 followers
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.

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
1,130 (51%)
4 stars
659 (30%)
3 stars
342 (15%)
2 stars
47 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
Profile Image for Gail Koger.
Author 34 books1,350 followers
August 27, 2014
I really enjoyed this book to. A fun, fast read.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,157 reviews23 followers
January 16, 2020
A Believer!!!

After facing the demons from her past, Hannah had a new enemy to face in the form of Merit. A woman who would do anything in order to become the mate of the Alpha even though she knew Benson was already mated. She took things too far whe she drugged Hannah and dropped off at the Long Claws land.

Joanna Penn ran away from the Long Claws Clan and the Alpha, Nathan who wanted her as one of his mates. But she saw how the men of that clan were and she wouldn't no she couldn't let herself be subjected to whatever the Alpha had in mind for her. One day she met the handsome as sin Brody Bannister who came looking for his Alpha's mate, Hannah Michaels.

Brody Bannister, the most trusted concilman to the Alpha of Bear Valey, Benson Riker ( THE WITNESS AND THE BEAR & DEVOTED TO THE BEAR ). He accused the Long Claws of holding Hannah hostage on their camp. While there he met the most beautiful and intriguing woman he'd ever seen, Joanna. But Nathan claimed that she was his. Which was a lie if he went by what the woman said.

Jo promised him her help if he promised to claim her after she helped Hannah escape. He gave her his word but he felt like a fraud yet he couldn't stop himself from agreeing to her terms. Yet he still marked and claimed her as his when Nathan came behind her and Hannah. Brody told her that he didn't want a mate and she nearly broke cause he tethered her to him.

Eventually she was able to xhange his mind regarding no wanting a mte. Yet he was still distant cause he had dreams that tormented him. He was scared of what he would do to Jo if/when she got to close. She never wavered in her attempts to help him with his demons even when he tried pushing her away.

Loved the way Aria was welcomed by the clan. The bond she had with Hannah, Jenny, Blaine, Daria, Chase and the others was beautiful. Both Brody and Aria felt like they were finaly were they belonged.

RETURN TO THE BEAR is the third book in T. S. Joyce's BEAR VALLEY SHIFTERS series. It was fascinating, a must read and oh so sensual. Marvelous job by T. S. Joyce! 5++++
Profile Image for Becca.
174 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2021
Oh Brody

Another book that had me sucked in from the start! We had a kidnapping that made me want to rip the witches hair out, and another strong woman who wouldn’t back down! Joanna was amazing! Everything she had been through and she still kept fighting. She about died trying to save Hannah and she didn’t even know her! How awesome is that!

Brody had me heartbroken at times, and other times he had me wanting to strangle him. Joanna showed him how much she wanted him, how much his touch burned her, and how his kissed drugged her! Yet he still tried to push her away. Without giving to much away she had to teach him the sins of the past do not make us. Especially the sins of family members and someone you thought you loved.

We had action, adventure, women finding their strength and power, and a bunch of huge assholes who will hopefully get what’s coming to them! Especially Nathan! Big asshat! So far I’m still sucked into these story’s, and I’m wondering what will happen next in the Bear Valley series!

Happy reading!! 🖤🖤
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,610 reviews43 followers
April 13, 2020
This is the third book in this series. They must be read in order. Hannah has been taken and is being kept with another bear clan thanks to Merit. Joanna is forced to be a part of the clan. They fought and defeated her old clan. Now the alpha of this clan wants her to be his mate, well one of his mates. He keeps trying no matter how many times she says no. How long before he stops asking and just takes what he wants? When Brody comes and claims they have Hannah, Joanna says he will help him rescue Hannah as long as he promises to take her with him. She can’t stay here any longer. Brody takes her when she helps rescue Hannah. But he doesn’t treat her life a normal mate. He keeps her at arm’s length. He has his reasons. Will they be able to work through Brody’s issues and make their mating work? I love this series so much. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I love T.S. Joyce. She writes these fantastic worlds.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
April 23, 2022
Merit’s latest scheme to make Riker want her is drugging Hannah and gift her to Nathan, alpha of Long Claw, Bear Valley’s enemy. Nathan’s history is brutality and inducting women into his personal harem until he tires of them, Despite being a ‘spoil of war’, Joanna’s stayed out of Nathan’s bed by resisting his ploy of whipping her into a sexual frenzy for agreement.

Jo sees a possibility of freedom when Merit arrives with Hannah to sell and Nathan’s lust is palpable. She calls and makes a deal with Brody for telling them what happened to Hannah and how. The last thing Brody wants is a mate, though that’s Jo’s dream, he can’t resist claiming then rejecting her when they come to save the women. This has the making of a clan war.
Rating: 3.75stars
Profile Image for Kim Richards.
1,338 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2019
Another book that is worth reading, loving this series so much.
I was pulled into the story from the get go and that is where I stayed until I had read the last word written, and yes again I had my little mini movie playing in my head.
There are surprises throughout the books, some large and some small, some you will see coming and others you won't, but they all make the books the awesome story that it is.
Emotions are rife throughout the book and some of them will actually hit you when you least expect them to.
I highly recommend them to all the shifter fans that are out there.
509 reviews1 follower
February 11, 2018
Seemed like part of the story was missing

This was not as exciting as the other stories. I like both Brody and Jo, but something was missing. There really wasn’t much story. Brody’s reason for the dreams did not seam plausible. In fact, the entire story seemed unbelievable. I did like that Jo was a strong female. My favorite part about this authors stories. I just felt that there were too many unanswered questions. Not my favorite in the series, but not that bad.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
July 17, 2019
I like that with this book we got a bit more of the world. I hated the situation that Jo was in, was glad that she was able to best them and get out, but have a feeling the Long Claw clan won't just go away.

I was so so on Brody and Jo as a couple. I hated how hot and cold Brody was, even if it seemed he had reason. He kept hurting Jo, which made me want to beat him. I was glad it seems like they worked things out by the end.
111 reviews
September 11, 2019
Absolutely a must read

If you're wanting a great series this one by TS Joyce is amazing. She put you into a world of shifters with big strong alphas that love their mates and will do anything for them. Don't miss out on this 1 you won't regret it. But make sure you start at the beginning of the series so you can follow Hannah and riker and all the other amazing shifters through all 5 books
Profile Image for Lovingbooks1.
1,187 reviews24 followers
July 23, 2020
Nails are ruined

This was even more nail biting than the previous books.
I can’t say it’s the best I’ve read but I definitely is engaged in the story and the characters is getting more familiar and it feels good to read about them.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Lots of dialogues
I think the author has created a world that’s easy to get lost in and characters that’s easy to fall in love with.

4 stars
48 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2017
Two lost souls

The story was pretty good. A damaged male and a not quite yet broken female take center stage of this novel. It also references the previous novel's characters. War is coming and our bears need to be battle ready. It's only a matter time, but can these two lost souls find their way before it's too late.
1,885 reviews5 followers
October 10, 2019
Put on deep blues music

Jo and Brody story was darker then the rest in the series.
They both have demons and darkness in there past and had to work on being mates and fighting there misunderstandings and stating what they need from the other. Letting go and surrendering to there fears to love one another.
I liked the difference of the book. Not everyone is light and joy.
Profile Image for Elle Jones.
236 reviews3 followers
July 10, 2020
Well let me tell you, this story was about as harrowing as could be (reminded me a little of X & Y)...what with the unwanted advances. Joanna was perfect for Brody though as he needed some real love & patience. And I think his devotion was good for her too. It seemed close at the end and I wasn't quite sure how it was going to and but I'm glad it turned out well.
910 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2022
Return to the Bear

The Bear Valley Shifter Clan Alpha Benson Riker mate Hanna had been taken. Brody Bannister a counsel member has manage to find Hanna's location. Joanna Penn has been held captive for two years. This is her chance to escape and find a home. Joanna has agreed to save Hanna and Brody had agreed to claim Joanna.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,346 reviews28 followers
December 20, 2018
Joanna and Brady

This was a fantastic read. This book has everything I like in a story: adventure, action and romance. Joanna is the right person for Brady. Love them as a couple. Highly recommended
Profile Image for Pamela Lunder.
1,733 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2023
Return to the Bear

I enjoyed this book. Joanna was what Brody needed, he just didn't know it. She had been through some bad stuff. Losing her clan and being forced to become another mate to a new Alpha. She didn't want that. Brody saved her as much as she saved him!
3,215 reviews67 followers
April 10, 2023
Loved this angsty story, with H who has lost confidence in the future and a very brave h. She's a wonderful person, honest and strong. They have quite a fight to get their HEA and I loved their story.
Profile Image for Linsey Palazzi.
239 reviews
August 12, 2024
Weird not ending….

This series needs to be read in order so far, so go read the first and second and come back. This one had a weird ending that was slightly unsatisfying. His trauma was very sudden at the end. Otherwise, I AM learning to love these characters, so I’ll be reading on.
232 reviews2 followers
August 11, 2025
stolen mate is rescued plus one

Great next chapter in the series. Riker’s mate can’t seem to escape bad situation, this time she finds another woman who needs rescuing as well. Read about their struggle for freedom and struggle for happiness. Enjoy.
203 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2017
Great reading the two stories

I loved reading about Hannah and Riker, Human girl and a bear. I really loved reading about Joanna and Brody. Both bears and how they overcome the deep scars inside and let the other into their heart. Thank you
772 reviews
July 2, 2017
Better

Yes these books get better with each one and I love how they all follow on from the previous one
Profile Image for Sheree Roberts.
177 reviews3 followers
December 22, 2017
Bully

Bully bear Nathan! I'm assuming that the next book will be about Nathan coming for Joanna. Brody will have to kill him!
Profile Image for Andrea .
98 reviews
January 22, 2018
So good!

This is my favorite so far of this series!!! It's so sweet and loving and yes kind of messed up in some ways but Brody and Joanna are just perfect for each other!!!!
728 reviews1 follower
January 24, 2018
Return to the Bear

Gave it a five star rating. Loved the story. Can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out what happens next.
Profile Image for Arielle Pettis.
231 reviews
January 29, 2018
Loved it

Ahh. Another happy mating in within this book. I couldn’t believe Merit, but Hannah and Jo were kick ass helping each other.
Profile Image for Brenda.
1,367 reviews
January 5, 2019
Lost

Thus book wasn’t as exciting as Riker and Hanna ,but it held more depth and pain and undertaking. A shirt but good book
Profile Image for Katrina.
121 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2019
Love this book also love how this book also pulls the last 2 books in as well not just a happy ever after then move to a different shifter. The story line is amazing as well loved jo
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.