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Fire Bears #1
Bear My Soul
Rory Dodson is done running. After one night of bliss with a man she never thought she’d see again, she’s in trouble with a young son who is housing one ferocious little bear cub inside of him. Desperate to keep her baby’s secret safe, she has nowhere to turn but to the man she was determined to keep in her past. What she doesn’t expect is the instantaneous, heart-pounding connection she remembers from before. But all of the sex appeal in the world can’t hide the fact that Cody Keller is keeping dark secrets of his own.
Alpha bear shifter, Cody, is a firefighter by day but something more sinister by night. Towing a fine line between leading a normal life and keeping the government off his crew’s back, he has been running missions that few sane men would take, and even fewer would survive. But when the woman he has searched six years for blows back into town, toting a kid who bears his mark, his life is about to get a whole lot more complicated.
It’s not enough to protect the Breck Crew from the growing threats around him anymore. Cody will have to push back and stand up for his kind if he wants a shot at keeping his fragile new family safe from what he’s become.
Content Warning: explicit love scenes, naughty language, and piles of sexy shifter secrets.
Adult only bear shifter romance.
Alpha bear shifter, Cody, is a firefighter by day but something more sinister by night. Towing a fine line between leading a normal life and keeping the government off his crew’s back, he has been running missions that few sane men would take, and even fewer would survive. But when the woman he has searched six years for blows back into town, toting a kid who bears his mark, his life is about to get a whole lot more complicated.
It’s not enough to protect the Breck Crew from the growing threats around him anymore. Cody will have to push back and stand up for his kind if he wants a shot at keeping his fragile new family safe from what he’s become.
Content Warning: explicit love scenes, naughty language, and piles of sexy shifter secrets.
Adult only bear shifter romance.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2015
827 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Joyce
162 books3,463 followersT.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.
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
May 12, 2016
Book Facts: Bear My Soul
Genre: Shifter Romance
Part of a Series/Installment: Series
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:
My thoughts:
Not one of my favorites by the author.
I think the book was to short for this type of trope. Second chance romance with a baby. There was a lot there not tied up or elaborated on.
I really hate when one scene makes the whole book just be subpar for me but it seems to be happening to me in second chance romances so I might need to stop reading these types of books.
I was never convinced that the h was her H's one. She broke the initial bond but it wasn't like he fell deeply in love. He did try to find her but said it was to try and thank her. Even when he admitted later in the book that he didn't just want to say thank you he says he wanted more times of being happy. No love was mentioned. He also thinks to himself that the last time he felt that way about a woman was with the one that the bond was broken.
Perhaps I am just used to my shifter romances being instalove but I was pretty confused with this one.
Overall Rating: 2.75
Do You Recommend This Book: Possibly to some
ReRead: No
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
May 11, 2015
I am really bummed I have to give this 3 stars. I LOVE her stuff and her Saw Bears? Love them all! This bothered me I think because we didn't get to see them together back then when it all happened. I have a hard time getting through books like that when they dont include when they meet and get together and why she leaves. I mean we know why but us as readers still want to be there for that. It was hard to get through and I'll be honest I skimmed. Didnt hold my attention as well as her other books for some reason. I'll be reading her other books in this series I just hope its better and more together. I did feel it was kinda a bit here and there.
January 6, 2021
He called her another another girls name when they were together, he was getting over a broken bond, so much ow drama, skimmed this
November 24, 2019
3 stars!
December 19, 2018
This was a short one, but very cute. I loved how protective Rory was of Aaron, loved that she had no clue about bears, but she was determined to protect her child. Going back to Colorado seemed to open up so many doors for both Rory and Aaron. I liked that Cody accepted Aaron and didn’t hold over Rory’s head that she didn’t tell him about Aaron, instead he focused on getting to know his son and his mother. I really liked that Cody introduced Rory and Aaron to his family and how they welcomed them in.
The drama with how Cody was trapped was crazy, especially when they all were threatened. I liked how they all worked together and the ace in the hole they called into help. It made the ending perfect.
The drama with how Cody was trapped was crazy, especially when they all were threatened. I liked how they all worked together and the ace in the hole they called into help. It made the ending perfect.
December 15, 2022
I skimmed. Way too much OW drama for me, and it wasn’t solved or talked about after? Nah def not a reread for me.
June 19, 2015
An Excellent New Find For Me Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power. -- Abraham Lincoln
I've come to learn that the determined and gifted and genuine sociopath has far more power to deceive than we realize. -- Walter Kirn
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do. -- Noam Chomsky
Power. As the common wisdom goes, “Power Corrupts. Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.” And Krueger is absolutely corrupt – to a monstrous degree. Because Krueger despises shifters. And to carry out his vendetta against shifters, he works himself into a position of power – the power to own and control their very lives. And when he loses his temper? Well.
Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up. -- Mahatma Gandhi
The Breckenridge Crew of bear shifters are suffering under Krueger’s thumb, forced to fight, kill, and flat-out murder at his beck and call. And into this mess Rory and her son, Aaron stumble, desperate for help from Aaron’s father – the father who doesn’t know about Aaron. Well you can’t blame Rory. A one night stand is all there was, and though Rory didn’t intend it, Aaron is the best thing that has ever happened in her life. But when Aaron shifts into a bear just before his first birthday, her terror that someone will hurt or kill him for being ‘different’ leads her to cancel her planned trip back to Breckenridge to introduce her son to his father. But now, at age five, Aaron’s bear has become completely uncontrollable. Uncontrollable, and dangerous. He has already hurt Rory, badly. And in order to protect him, she must find help. Even if it means trusting that the man who donated the sperm to his creation is first, safe for Aaron, and second, is, or knows, about bear shifters. Is Aaron a huge jump in human evolution? Or do other shifters exist? And is Cody Keller one of those?
This is a good UF/Bear Shifter Romance story. But what makes it more than just another shifter story is how well Joyce handles the issue of Krueger and the International Exchange of Supernatural Affairs. The misuse of power, visceral hatred of shifters who only want to be left alone, and the political manipulation of a government agency for personal hate mongering and power brokerage is handled beautifully.
The ending solved one problem, but in such a way that I know the problem will continue in Bear the Burn (Fire Bears Book 2). I picked this book up after spending several hours in the garden, showering and then having a bite to eat. I picked it up as something “easy” with a HEA. What I got was better than I expected.
I've come to learn that the determined and gifted and genuine sociopath has far more power to deceive than we realize. -- Walter Kirn
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do. -- Noam Chomsky
Power. As the common wisdom goes, “Power Corrupts. Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely.” And Krueger is absolutely corrupt – to a monstrous degree. Because Krueger despises shifters. And to carry out his vendetta against shifters, he works himself into a position of power – the power to own and control their very lives. And when he loses his temper? Well.
Anger is the enemy of non-violence and pride is a monster that swallows it up. -- Mahatma Gandhi
The Breckenridge Crew of bear shifters are suffering under Krueger’s thumb, forced to fight, kill, and flat-out murder at his beck and call. And into this mess Rory and her son, Aaron stumble, desperate for help from Aaron’s father – the father who doesn’t know about Aaron. Well you can’t blame Rory. A one night stand is all there was, and though Rory didn’t intend it, Aaron is the best thing that has ever happened in her life. But when Aaron shifts into a bear just before his first birthday, her terror that someone will hurt or kill him for being ‘different’ leads her to cancel her planned trip back to Breckenridge to introduce her son to his father. But now, at age five, Aaron’s bear has become completely uncontrollable. Uncontrollable, and dangerous. He has already hurt Rory, badly. And in order to protect him, she must find help. Even if it means trusting that the man who donated the sperm to his creation is first, safe for Aaron, and second, is, or knows, about bear shifters. Is Aaron a huge jump in human evolution? Or do other shifters exist? And is Cody Keller one of those?
This is a good UF/Bear Shifter Romance story. But what makes it more than just another shifter story is how well Joyce handles the issue of Krueger and the International Exchange of Supernatural Affairs. The misuse of power, visceral hatred of shifters who only want to be left alone, and the political manipulation of a government agency for personal hate mongering and power brokerage is handled beautifully.
The ending solved one problem, but in such a way that I know the problem will continue in Bear the Burn (Fire Bears Book 2). I picked this book up after spending several hours in the garden, showering and then having a bite to eat. I picked it up as something “easy” with a HEA. What I got was better than I expected.
May 21, 2020
4 Stars
April 4, 2020
Firefighting Bear Shifters Stand the Test of Time
A long time ago, this was the first T.S. Joyce book I ever read (yeah, I got them out of order). That was before I regularly wrote reviews, so I'm writing one now that I've just re-read it.
Rory is a terrific heroine. She's strong and scrappy. She's beautiful and independent. And she's determined to build the best life for her son, 5 year old Aaron. When she learns Aaron can shift into a bear cub, she wants to protect her son but realizes, as a human, she's probably in over her head.
Cody is a bear shifter, alpha of his crew, and a firefighter. He has a secret job too, something he does to keep his crew safe. The heat still lingers from their one-night stand all those years ago, but Cody isn't sure he can keep Rory and their cub safe.
Terrific shifter romance, complete with burly firemen, sassy women, inappropriate humor, and lots of steam!
A long time ago, this was the first T.S. Joyce book I ever read (yeah, I got them out of order). That was before I regularly wrote reviews, so I'm writing one now that I've just re-read it.
Rory is a terrific heroine. She's strong and scrappy. She's beautiful and independent. And she's determined to build the best life for her son, 5 year old Aaron. When she learns Aaron can shift into a bear cub, she wants to protect her son but realizes, as a human, she's probably in over her head.
Cody is a bear shifter, alpha of his crew, and a firefighter. He has a secret job too, something he does to keep his crew safe. The heat still lingers from their one-night stand all those years ago, but Cody isn't sure he can keep Rory and their cub safe.
Terrific shifter romance, complete with burly firemen, sassy women, inappropriate humor, and lots of steam!
December 1, 2018
Cute, sexy and a bit of action. It’s a solid read, I find the writing style really pleasant and light.
It’s not the deepest types of paranormal (the ones I normally enjoy) but it was refreshing.
Read:01/12/2018
Genre: Paranormal/ romance/ shifter /bear
Cover: 2 stars
1st rating: 3 stars
Will I recommend: Yes.
It’s not the deepest types of paranormal (the ones I normally enjoy) but it was refreshing.
Read:01/12/2018
Genre: Paranormal/ romance/ shifter /bear
Cover: 2 stars
1st rating: 3 stars
Will I recommend: Yes.
January 3, 2025
Bear my Soul
I had a couple thoughts about this story. I liked that the MFC is a single mom. The story starts with the baby daddy finding out she had a child. The kid is five. I did not like his reaction to finding out,
““Don’t run this time, Rory. I won’t stop until I find you. He’s mine, too.” His eyes were hard as he descended the stairs.”
No, he's not. Men think because they donated a sperm, that they have some claim to ownership of the child. They don't. Which he seems to understand eventually thanks to his mother.
The other bit that got me thinking was the cooperative aspect of a “crew” vs traditional american individualism. The whole survival of the fittest mentality that is used to justify extreme selfishness and brutality vs a community of people working together to raise children and take care of each other. The POV of the bad guy,
“You see, this is why your kind was doomed from the first jump in evolution that created you. This is why you are destined to fail as a species. Your survival instincts start circling the drain as soon as you find a mate. It’s pathetic really.”
And
““Crews are so pathetic,” Krueger said, following behind her. “You all have this desire to make sure the others live, no matter the cost to yourself.”
It's also a great example of toxic masculinity (or it's adjacent to it). And it's a great comparison between the masculinity of the MMC and his brothers (as protectors) vs the masculinity of the bad guy who uses and objectifies others for his own ends.
And I just had to include this part from Bruiser because it's so beautiful. (There's always a bigger fish).
“Problem with your little program is that you stirred up shit that is better off buried, and then you brought a knife to a gun fight.”
“What does that mean?” Krueger asked, straitening his spine.
Bruiser grabbed the front of his shirt and shoved him out the open door. “It means you have trackers and blackmail. We have dragons.”
I had a couple thoughts about this story. I liked that the MFC is a single mom. The story starts with the baby daddy finding out she had a child. The kid is five. I did not like his reaction to finding out,
““Don’t run this time, Rory. I won’t stop until I find you. He’s mine, too.” His eyes were hard as he descended the stairs.”
No, he's not. Men think because they donated a sperm, that they have some claim to ownership of the child. They don't. Which he seems to understand eventually thanks to his mother.
The other bit that got me thinking was the cooperative aspect of a “crew” vs traditional american individualism. The whole survival of the fittest mentality that is used to justify extreme selfishness and brutality vs a community of people working together to raise children and take care of each other. The POV of the bad guy,
“You see, this is why your kind was doomed from the first jump in evolution that created you. This is why you are destined to fail as a species. Your survival instincts start circling the drain as soon as you find a mate. It’s pathetic really.”
And
““Crews are so pathetic,” Krueger said, following behind her. “You all have this desire to make sure the others live, no matter the cost to yourself.”
It's also a great example of toxic masculinity (or it's adjacent to it). And it's a great comparison between the masculinity of the MMC and his brothers (as protectors) vs the masculinity of the bad guy who uses and objectifies others for his own ends.
And I just had to include this part from Bruiser because it's so beautiful. (There's always a bigger fish).
“Problem with your little program is that you stirred up shit that is better off buried, and then you brought a knife to a gun fight.”
“What does that mean?” Krueger asked, straitening his spine.
Bruiser grabbed the front of his shirt and shoved him out the open door. “It means you have trackers and blackmail. We have dragons.”
August 1, 2021
⎯» Rating: 2.75 Stars
⎯» Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction
⎯» POV: Dual—Third Person
❥
Okay read. The drama felt a bit surface level—things that drive the plot forward happen, but aren’t really explained, or fleshed out. The antagonist was the typical evil secret government stereotype, which I find tedious. Still, I enjoyed the romance and family relationships. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if the suspense/danger plot was removed.
❥
⎯»Extra Information
⎯» Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Contemporary, Military Fiction
⎯» POV: Dual—Third Person
❥
Okay read. The drama felt a bit surface level—things that drive the plot forward happen, but aren’t really explained, or fleshed out. The antagonist was the typical evil secret government stereotype, which I find tedious. Still, I enjoyed the romance and family relationships. I would have enjoyed the story a lot more if the suspense/danger plot was removed.
❥
⎯»Extra Information
❖ Series or Standalone:
Standalone in Fire Bears Series
❖ HEA:
❖ Cliffhanger:
No
❖ Relationship:
M-F Romance
❖ Tropes:
➢ Alpha-Hero
➢ Bear-Shifters
➢ Family-Drama
➢ Firefighter-Hero
➢ Friends-to-Lovers
➢ Hero-28yo-Heroine-25yo
➢ Human-Heroine
➢ Insta-Love
➢ Mate-Bonds
➢ Military-Fiction
➢ One-Night-Stand
➢ Second-Chance-Romance
➢ Secret-Baby (5 years old boy)
➢ Secret-Government-Agency
➢ Small-Town
➢ Tortured-Hero
❖ Triggers:
N/A
❥
September 26, 2020
Good
I actually am very happy with this book. I have read the Saw Bear series and a big fan of the Ash Crew. And loved Bruisers story was one of my favorites. I was very curious about the brothers Bruiser had and made the deal with Damon Daye to save them and marry Damon’s daughter for him to do it. This was a good book I’m excited to go onto the next book. 4 stars because of 5 years that Cody missed yes I understand the logic but it’s the momma in me that hates anyone deserving missing out. I love a strong alpha yes it’s an insta love and animal instincts kind of thing just hot.
I actually am very happy with this book. I have read the Saw Bear series and a big fan of the Ash Crew. And loved Bruisers story was one of my favorites. I was very curious about the brothers Bruiser had and made the deal with Damon Daye to save them and marry Damon’s daughter for him to do it. This was a good book I’m excited to go onto the next book. 4 stars because of 5 years that Cody missed yes I understand the logic but it’s the momma in me that hates anyone deserving missing out. I love a strong alpha yes it’s an insta love and animal instincts kind of thing just hot.
April 5, 2024
1. I hate when fathers miss out on raising their child for stupid reasons
2. The FMC was annoying as hell
3. FMC was all sad that Cody wasn’t letting her into a secret about the bad things he did which he had already told her he was being forced to go to war because the government knew about them
4. Cody trusting the secret agent dude was the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard
5. Once Shayna was outed why did they just let her go? Why not follow her and find the dude?
6. Why was the FMC alone at the float and unprotected like duh
7. Why did they need to involve the dragon with a deal when they could’ve just used the other bear crew?
2. The FMC was annoying as hell
3. FMC was all sad that Cody wasn’t letting her into a secret about the bad things he did which he had already told her he was being forced to go to war because the government knew about them
4. Cody trusting the secret agent dude was the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard
5. Once Shayna was outed why did they just let her go? Why not follow her and find the dude?
6. Why was the FMC alone at the float and unprotected like duh
7. Why did they need to involve the dragon with a deal when they could’ve just used the other bear crew?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. Not only did it have a surprise kid but also the fact that the shifting was in the forefront of the book really worked for me. Rory was pretty awesome in her own right. She may not have been a shifter but I love how she accepted it all.
Cody loved all his family and seeing the lengths he would go to protect them, it made my heart swell. The author not only added a great amount of action and steam, but also built a interesting world that I plan to read more of. 4 Stars #2OCCJD
Cody loved all his family and seeing the lengths he would go to protect them, it made my heart swell. The author not only added a great amount of action and steam, but also built a interesting world that I plan to read more of. 4 Stars #2OCCJD
May 24, 2017
I loved this book! I am a sucker for a surprise baby book! Werebears are sexy all on their own, but making them firefighters as well, darn, they are even sexier! It would have been nice to have seen Cody and Rory's original time together in a flashback chapter, but I eventually got over that as we saw their relationship grow.
April 4, 2020
Second chance romance. Rory was a strong female lead and Cody was quite easy going for an alpha. I loved how welcoming his family were to Rory and Aaron.
This book I feel could have been spaced out more, I would have loved to see the relationship develop slower.
I enjoyed this book, which is book 1 of a new series and look forward to reading the brothers stories 🙂.
3.5 stars
This book I feel could have been spaced out more, I would have loved to see the relationship develop slower.
I enjoyed this book, which is book 1 of a new series and look forward to reading the brothers stories 🙂.
3.5 stars
April 19, 2017
Reread. This is still my favorite T.S. Joyce book. I love Cody and how he interacts with his new found son and his little bear. The Fire Bears are my favorites overall. I just wish there were more books.
March 28, 2017
Awesome
Such a great story with awesome characters and of course a super cute fun. I read it in one sitting
Such a great story with awesome characters and of course a super cute fun. I read it in one sitting
Want to read
March 20, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/20/2020)! 🎁
October 21, 2020
2.5 stars
December 28, 2019
I waffled back and forth between a 2 and 3 star rating for this one. I ended up opting for the latter simply because I enjoy the author's writing style, and there's a lot of potential with the plot. The problem is that the book is really two separate stories that were smashed into one. The first one is a lovely second-chance romance involving a secret baby. The second is an action story where a man is forced to work for the government in order to keep his family safe.
The reason it doesn't work as a single story is that the second plot relies on the hero having a deep and meaningful relationship with his mate, but because the couple had gotten together like a week before all the shit goes down, their emotional responses don't make sense. The couple say 'I love you' after sleeping together for the second time...and the first time was six years prior. Their first hook-up was a one night stand, so it's not like they have even a history of friendship to fall back on. When Rory complains about Cody not trusting her and whines about giving her heart to a man that can't open up to her, it sounds absolutely ridiculous because they've only know each other for FOUR FREAKING DAYS!
I absolutely loved how the book started, and I would have enjoyed it so much just to see how Cody and Rory managed to get together - turning a one night stand into a real relationship. I would have liked some drama with Sarah, too, since she's talked about so much in the beginning. As well as more info about his first bond. But it felt like the original plot of the story was dropped halfway through and then the author picked up a completely different storyline. So, yeah, the first half was like a 4 or 5 star... I wish the author would have kept with that story.
The reason it doesn't work as a single story is that the second plot relies on the hero having a deep and meaningful relationship with his mate, but because the couple had gotten together like a week before all the shit goes down, their emotional responses don't make sense. The couple say 'I love you' after sleeping together for the second time...and the first time was six years prior. Their first hook-up was a one night stand, so it's not like they have even a history of friendship to fall back on. When Rory complains about Cody not trusting her and whines about giving her heart to a man that can't open up to her, it sounds absolutely ridiculous because they've only know each other for FOUR FREAKING DAYS!
I absolutely loved how the book started, and I would have enjoyed it so much just to see how Cody and Rory managed to get together - turning a one night stand into a real relationship. I would have liked some drama with Sarah, too, since she's talked about so much in the beginning. As well as more info about his first bond. But it felt like the original plot of the story was dropped halfway through and then the author picked up a completely different storyline. So, yeah, the first half was like a 4 or 5 star... I wish the author would have kept with that story.
July 17, 2015
Rory and Cody. Another case of 'the secret love child' plot. But there are also evil government villains and a surprise at the end. Usually I hate the Duex ex machine type way of solving an ending, but this one was pretty cool! (with a strong hook for the next book in the series!!). Rory and Cody had a one night stand back when they were in their early twenties. She had a pretty good reason for taking off before he woke up (I probably would have done the same!!) and her reasons for not letting Cody know about Aaron (their little boy) later on were sound as well. But there's over a year there where I just don't understand why she didn't get in contact with him to let him know about the baby. Kinda sucks really. But that was my only complaint with the story. Rory has tried to take care of Aaron on her own since her mother disowned her for getting pregnant out of wedlock. But Aaron started shifting into his bear at only a year and at 5 yrs old is becoming too much for her to handle and keep secret AND work a full a time job. So she goes back to her aunt in the small mountain town where Cody lives to see if he can help. Their first few meetings are awkward and fraught with tension as they try to accept each other's points of view and talk about it all. But it isn't that simple as Cody has a secret more dangerous than his bear, that eats at his very soul. Can Rory accept him and can he learn to forgive himself? It's a sweet story of love found but with some fun tension filled action at the end. I just wish there had been a bit more... The moments between Cody and Aaron were just so sweet!
June 22, 2024
I originally read the Boarlander series before this and have yet to start the other series by T.S. Joyce which means the brief adjustment with the shifter secret made me wish the entire series started with them being out in the open.
Back to this story though. Rory and Cody's back story comes out during different parts of the story which was good that it was addressesed. Not sure how believable the minor antagonist Shayna role is but maybe it will be resolved in the next Fire Bears books. Overall a good read and glad I found this author.
Update June 2017: The other day I had just finished reading Red Havoc Bad Bear by our favorite author and wanted to re-read the series that spawned so many loveable couples and offspring. I once again got the reading order wrong because I wanted to re-read the part where shifters were outed first.
Back to this story though. Rory and Cody's back story comes out during different parts of the story which was good that it was addressesed. Not sure how believable the minor antagonist Shayna role is but maybe it will be resolved in the next Fire Bears books. Overall a good read and glad I found this author.
Update June 2017: The other day I had just finished reading Red Havoc Bad Bear by our favorite author and wanted to re-read the series that spawned so many loveable couples and offspring. I once again got the reading order wrong because I wanted to re-read the part where shifters were outed first.
June 28, 2015
This story is great. Our heroine had a hookup with a bear shifter 6 years before the story starts. She didn't know he was a shifter, and she left town before he could talk to her.
Now, her 5 year old son is a bear shifter and it is really hard for a human in the human world to raise him. She goes back to find the father, who is our hero. There are a lot of issues to solve, and some bad people after the shifters, but this wonderful story takes us day by day as they come together as a family. This story has it all--love, romance, sex, action, kids, family. I strongly recommend.
This story has a connection to the Saw Bears series.
Now, her 5 year old son is a bear shifter and it is really hard for a human in the human world to raise him. She goes back to find the father, who is our hero. There are a lot of issues to solve, and some bad people after the shifters, but this wonderful story takes us day by day as they come together as a family. This story has it all--love, romance, sex, action, kids, family. I strongly recommend.
This story has a connection to the Saw Bears series.
August 30, 2025
Bear My Soul by T.S. Joyce was a fantastic read.
Rory is the human mother to Aaron, a 5 year old bear shifter. She has been trying to keep his shifter side a secret but it is getting harder each day. At a loss for what to do, she seeks out the help of his father in hopes he will know what to do. Cody is a sexy as hell firefighting bear, who is alpha to his crew. After breaking his bond with Sarah, he has given up wanting a mate and children. Until his one night stand shows back up with his child and his life gets turned upside down.
But can he be the father Aaron needs, with IESA breathing down his neck??
One click and find out
Rory is the human mother to Aaron, a 5 year old bear shifter. She has been trying to keep his shifter side a secret but it is getting harder each day. At a loss for what to do, she seeks out the help of his father in hopes he will know what to do. Cody is a sexy as hell firefighting bear, who is alpha to his crew. After breaking his bond with Sarah, he has given up wanting a mate and children. Until his one night stand shows back up with his child and his life gets turned upside down.
But can he be the father Aaron needs, with IESA breathing down his neck??
One click and find out
November 12, 2015
I read a review a while back that made it seem like the guy was a real jerk to the girl over not telling him he had a kid- more than what people would consider a reasonable reaction. So I put off reading this. Should have never doubted Ms. Joyce. She does no wrong.
Now onto read the next book in the series.
Now onto read the next book in the series.
July 25, 2017
I have fallen in love with Ms. Joyce's series. They are fun reads, with interesting characters and plots that keep me turning the pages.
Cody and Rory are fighting for a second chance and trying to be the family their son, Aaron, needs. Their road is not easy, but worth the fight.
I plan to read the rest of the series.
Cody and Rory are fighting for a second chance and trying to be the family their son, Aaron, needs. Their road is not easy, but worth the fight.
I plan to read the rest of the series.
October 9, 2015
Recording the reading of this a couple of months after I read it. I semi-remember it, but it hasn't left any lasting impressions.
April 22, 2020
I enjoyed the first half the book and kind of like the rest of it.
Aaron, the main male protagonist was attractive, to say it in one word. His relationship with his brothers and mother showed his soft side, his loyalty, his open feelings towards deployment and his relationship with war showed his emotional conflicts and demons, his job as a firefighter his spirit of service and wish to help others, a hero complex of sorts, his position as alpha how he takes responsibility and how vulnerable he feels over those he loves and wishes to protect, how tired he feels over the weight he carries... a very deep and complex character.
Rory, the main female lead was enjoyable. Her introduction, standing up for herself and wishing to protect her son even against the entire world showed a lot about her integrity and values. Her openness to a relationship with Aaron showed how honest she was with herself in the end, with her emotions, her relationship with her son and family how affectionate and sweet she was to those she values. Not so much depth but definitely a lot of character.
I really liked how they relationship started, with baggage from years past, misunderstandings and decisions that changed everything. Because both didn't denied they had a part in how things went south but also how they were both in on making it the best of the present. So their relationship progresses naturally, even if fast paced, because of their previous connection and experience, it's understandable how they quickly fall back into a romantic footing. Even tho there were moments when what Rory said or thought sounded stupid or out of context, they made sense as a couple. Even if they were cheesy as hell, it was still enjoyable to read.
Then shit hits the fan. Things turn out dicey and there are twists to the story that change the tone to something darker and dangerous... but... BUT... the inconsistencies killed it. I'll try not to get into any SPOILERS but if I do... you've been warned.
There were too many times after Aaron tells Rory about his feelings towards deployment, hinting at the dangers to his crew when Rory questioned him as if he hadn't told her about it earlier, saying things like "he doesn't trust me" that under context sounds stupid, drama-queen like and inconsistent to the plot. Then comparing her openness to him to his secrecy to her, as if she wasn't capable of understanding a "I can't tell you" or "it's forbidden" and as if her botched daughter-mother relationship held a candle to the abuse and manipulation Aaron has been subjected to for years. This is also inconsistent to how Rory had been presented, she was actually dismissing his life threatening conditions to "his bachelor ways", making me hate her. Her train of thought in making life-or-death decisions seems narrow minded at best and child-endangering at worst, while she could've stated a valid reason she went with an emotional one that was in the end pointless by the fact that the valid reason was enough, no need for emotional drama. The side villainous side-character who outed herself... like... why? Wouldn't it had made more sense to keep it secret still? What if Aaron had done something about it? Then the crew's actions after the truth is revealed... like... wtf??? They act business as usual, exposing themselves, and all when their lives are clearly in danger. Then the actions of the main villain... like WTF???!!! He seems a cartoon villain in many ways, like how he does menial tasks (driving the get-away-car), how he doesn't react when his minions break control, the entire entity he works at following and keeping tabs on Rory and her kid but doing NOTHING when the child started changing and risking exposing the shifter race to humans or hurting them and the way he by the end was reduced to "mad-scientist" torturing people without a clear plan but sadism for funsies.
The finale was entertaining tho... I liked the inclusion of Damon Daye and Bruiser from the Sawbears saga and the ending was cheesy (overly so) but still entertaining enough.
To reprise... the book started strong, was entertaining, cutesy, fun. The characters interesting and deep. Then it took a turn for the worst and ended up lamely. I do recommend reading it, specially for that first half and the characters (before they turn stupid), but I rather not comment on the buying thing... I'll maybe edit this last in a few months if a need to re-read it appears.
Aaron, the main male protagonist was attractive, to say it in one word. His relationship with his brothers and mother showed his soft side, his loyalty, his open feelings towards deployment and his relationship with war showed his emotional conflicts and demons, his job as a firefighter his spirit of service and wish to help others, a hero complex of sorts, his position as alpha how he takes responsibility and how vulnerable he feels over those he loves and wishes to protect, how tired he feels over the weight he carries... a very deep and complex character.
Rory, the main female lead was enjoyable. Her introduction, standing up for herself and wishing to protect her son even against the entire world showed a lot about her integrity and values. Her openness to a relationship with Aaron showed how honest she was with herself in the end, with her emotions, her relationship with her son and family how affectionate and sweet she was to those she values. Not so much depth but definitely a lot of character.
I really liked how they relationship started, with baggage from years past, misunderstandings and decisions that changed everything. Because both didn't denied they had a part in how things went south but also how they were both in on making it the best of the present. So their relationship progresses naturally, even if fast paced, because of their previous connection and experience, it's understandable how they quickly fall back into a romantic footing. Even tho there were moments when what Rory said or thought sounded stupid or out of context, they made sense as a couple. Even if they were cheesy as hell, it was still enjoyable to read.
Then shit hits the fan. Things turn out dicey and there are twists to the story that change the tone to something darker and dangerous... but... BUT... the inconsistencies killed it. I'll try not to get into any SPOILERS but if I do... you've been warned.
There were too many times after Aaron tells Rory about his feelings towards deployment, hinting at the dangers to his crew when Rory questioned him as if he hadn't told her about it earlier, saying things like "he doesn't trust me" that under context sounds stupid, drama-queen like and inconsistent to the plot. Then comparing her openness to him to his secrecy to her, as if she wasn't capable of understanding a "I can't tell you" or "it's forbidden" and as if her botched daughter-mother relationship held a candle to the abuse and manipulation Aaron has been subjected to for years. This is also inconsistent to how Rory had been presented, she was actually dismissing his life threatening conditions to "his bachelor ways", making me hate her. Her train of thought in making life-or-death decisions seems narrow minded at best and child-endangering at worst, while she could've stated a valid reason she went with an emotional one that was in the end pointless by the fact that the valid reason was enough, no need for emotional drama. The side villainous side-character who outed herself... like... why? Wouldn't it had made more sense to keep it secret still? What if Aaron had done something about it? Then the crew's actions after the truth is revealed... like... wtf??? They act business as usual, exposing themselves, and all when their lives are clearly in danger. Then the actions of the main villain... like WTF???!!! He seems a cartoon villain in many ways, like how he does menial tasks (driving the get-away-car), how he doesn't react when his minions break control, the entire entity he works at following and keeping tabs on Rory and her kid but doing NOTHING when the child started changing and risking exposing the shifter race to humans or hurting them and the way he by the end was reduced to "mad-scientist" torturing people without a clear plan but sadism for funsies.
The finale was entertaining tho... I liked the inclusion of Damon Daye and Bruiser from the Sawbears saga and the ending was cheesy (overly so) but still entertaining enough.
To reprise... the book started strong, was entertaining, cutesy, fun. The characters interesting and deep. Then it took a turn for the worst and ended up lamely. I do recommend reading it, specially for that first half and the characters (before they turn stupid), but I rather not comment on the buying thing... I'll maybe edit this last in a few months if a need to re-read it appears.
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