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Saw Bears #5
Axman Werebear
Arranged marriage, hidden agendas, deep secrets, and heart-pounding romance come together to tell Bruiser’s story in the 5th installment of T. S. Joyce’s bestselling Saw Bears series.
Diem Daye has led a sheltered life. As the only breeding female of her kind, her father has kept her tucked away and heavily guarded. But when he makes a deal behind her back, and marries her off to a local lumberjack werebear, she fights everything that is expected of her. As the dust settles and she begins to realize just how special her arranged union to Bruiser Keller is, she’ll have to decide to make the ultimate sacrifice for her kind, or live and love in the safety of her new mate’s protection.
Bruiser made a deal with a legendary shifter to save his family, but the consequences run deep when he returns home to the Asheland Mobile Park. Now he must marry a woman he’s never met, and if Diem’s pissed off countenance is anything to go by, she doesn’t want this pairing any more than he does. Bruiser vows to soften her hardened heart, but her secrets could bring danger to his beloved Ashe Crew, and could alter the course of his life forever.
Love comes at a cost for shifters like Bruiser and Diem. If they want a real shot at happiness, they’ll have to learn how to survive each other.
Content Warning: explicit love scenes, naughty language, and piles of sexy shifter secrets.
Adult only bear shifter romance.
Diem Daye has led a sheltered life. As the only breeding female of her kind, her father has kept her tucked away and heavily guarded. But when he makes a deal behind her back, and marries her off to a local lumberjack werebear, she fights everything that is expected of her. As the dust settles and she begins to realize just how special her arranged union to Bruiser Keller is, she’ll have to decide to make the ultimate sacrifice for her kind, or live and love in the safety of her new mate’s protection.
Bruiser made a deal with a legendary shifter to save his family, but the consequences run deep when he returns home to the Asheland Mobile Park. Now he must marry a woman he’s never met, and if Diem’s pissed off countenance is anything to go by, she doesn’t want this pairing any more than he does. Bruiser vows to soften her hardened heart, but her secrets could bring danger to his beloved Ashe Crew, and could alter the course of his life forever.
Love comes at a cost for shifters like Bruiser and Diem. If they want a real shot at happiness, they’ll have to learn how to survive each other.
Content Warning: explicit love scenes, naughty language, and piles of sexy shifter secrets.
Adult only bear shifter romance.
Audible Audio
First published May 1, 2015
801 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Joyce
160 books3,449 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 197 reviews
June 18, 2015
These trailer park werebears have won me over
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The books are short, and yes, they have somewhat of an insta-love vibe to them, but they are still quite solid. The characters are amazing. I love how dedicated and loving all the men are to their mates. The women are equally as impressive. They have created such a sweet trailer park shifter family. Ill definitely check out more in this series. Well worth its .99 price tag, and it's also offered with kindle-unlimited.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series. The books are short, and yes, they have somewhat of an insta-love vibe to them, but they are still quite solid. The characters are amazing. I love how dedicated and loving all the men are to their mates. The women are equally as impressive. They have created such a sweet trailer park shifter family. Ill definitely check out more in this series. Well worth its .99 price tag, and it's also offered with kindle-unlimited.
December 28, 2018
I'm sorry, but the guy in this book is named Bruiser. I just can't. Could never. Uh uh.
When I read the name Bruiser, I think of this kind of thing:
Look, Bruiser and other fat dude in underpants: You really need to reconsider your stance on salads. I'm just saying, heart disease is the number one cause of death in this country and you are obviously in an active job. You can only push the ticker so far.
Although, a hospital gown would actually be a step-up for you guys in the fashion department.
Just sayin'
Back to the book:
Bruiser agrees to an arranged marriage because it's really his only hope at matrimony, let's face it. The poor, unfortunate bride has the name Diem, so I'm thinking maybe this match isn't so bad after all. They are both doing this marriage thing because they are forced to, but are not about to get any feelings for the other.
Yeah, that lasts about 5 minutes, and then they are in love.
Insta-love. You know it will last for all eternity. Just like in real life.
When I read the name Bruiser, I think of this kind of thing:
Look, Bruiser and other fat dude in underpants: You really need to reconsider your stance on salads. I'm just saying, heart disease is the number one cause of death in this country and you are obviously in an active job. You can only push the ticker so far.
Although, a hospital gown would actually be a step-up for you guys in the fashion department.
Just sayin'
Back to the book:
Bruiser agrees to an arranged marriage because it's really his only hope at matrimony, let's face it. The poor, unfortunate bride has the name Diem, so I'm thinking maybe this match isn't so bad after all. They are both doing this marriage thing because they are forced to, but are not about to get any feelings for the other.
Yeah, that lasts about 5 minutes, and then they are in love.
Insta-love. You know it will last for all eternity. Just like in real life.
January 27, 2017
I can't stop reading this series even though it's up and down with how good a read each book is!!! Overall, I liked this book. If only the end wasn't so lame..
Review for book 1 here: Lumberjack Werebear
Review for book 2 here: Woodcutter Werebear
Review for book 3 here: Timberman Werebear
Review for book 4 here: Sawman Werebear
Rating Legend:
5 star-loved it
4 star-liked it
3 star-it was okay
2 star-didn't like it
1 star-hated it
Review for book 1 here: Lumberjack Werebear
Review for book 2 here: Woodcutter Werebear
Review for book 3 here: Timberman Werebear
Review for book 4 here: Sawman Werebear
Rating Legend:
5 star-loved it
4 star-liked it
3 star-it was okay
2 star-didn't like it
1 star-hated it
November 24, 2019
3 stars!
October 10, 2019
Diem and Bruiser story.
This book wasnt my favorite in the series thus far. Diem is from a family that doesnt demonstrate much love perse. She has been drilled to not show any emotions at any time.
Bruiser comes from a broken family, being the love child outside of a marriage has not been easy. Even with that upbringing, he will do what he needs to in order to protect his family, like making a deal with a dragon shifter. This book shows how an arranged marriage at times can blossom peoples lives. Also that not every relationship has the same end goals/desires. This book also helps people to see that your upbringing is not an end all be all for your future.
This book wasnt my favorite in the series thus far. Diem is from a family that doesnt demonstrate much love perse. She has been drilled to not show any emotions at any time.
Bruiser comes from a broken family, being the love child outside of a marriage has not been easy. Even with that upbringing, he will do what he needs to in order to protect his family, like making a deal with a dragon shifter. This book shows how an arranged marriage at times can blossom peoples lives. Also that not every relationship has the same end goals/desires. This book also helps people to see that your upbringing is not an end all be all for your future.
March 8, 2019
I love a good "resigned to your fate" storyline. makes the reversal so much sweeter.
November 15, 2020
A cute Story of an Arranged marriage going right...
It was great to revisit the Ash crew sawman werebear still my fave book so far but i did enjoy this
It was great to revisit the Ash crew sawman werebear still my fave book so far but i did enjoy this
May 22, 2020
4 Stars
January 6, 2016
3.5 stars
This is my favorite of the series, so far.
This is my favorite of the series, so far.
December 22, 2024
Axman Werebear
So we finally meet Damon Daye, the guy who owns all the land that the lumberjacks work on. He causes a lot of grief as we're reminded that people exist for more than breeding and being controlled. Even the MMC gets chosen for his bloodline,
“I want you begging to have me inside of you, and not for some technicality fuck so you can have a little baby dragon. I’m not just a dick!”
Even as the situation is horrifying, the last line is funny. He's not a dick at all really. He agrees to the arranged marriage for his own reasons but the first thing he does when he meets her is apologize for his part in it,
“Because this is my doing. I made a deal with your dad, and it was bullshit of me to do without seeing what you thought of all this.”
Their coming together is actually pretty sweet - he presents her with the exact opposite POV from everything her father taught her, building up her self esteem and being a space for her to know herself as strong and worthy and invaluable.
I was not convinced by the dad's transformation but there are a lot of books in this world so hopefully we'll get to see him get fully re-in touch with his humanity through other stories.
The covers of these books are annoying as shit. They do not look like bear shifter lumberjacks. They look like post adolescent frat boys. These dudes should be hairy. Seriously, where's the scruffy chest hair and happy trail?
So we finally meet Damon Daye, the guy who owns all the land that the lumberjacks work on. He causes a lot of grief as we're reminded that people exist for more than breeding and being controlled. Even the MMC gets chosen for his bloodline,
“I want you begging to have me inside of you, and not for some technicality fuck so you can have a little baby dragon. I’m not just a dick!”
Even as the situation is horrifying, the last line is funny. He's not a dick at all really. He agrees to the arranged marriage for his own reasons but the first thing he does when he meets her is apologize for his part in it,
“Because this is my doing. I made a deal with your dad, and it was bullshit of me to do without seeing what you thought of all this.”
Their coming together is actually pretty sweet - he presents her with the exact opposite POV from everything her father taught her, building up her self esteem and being a space for her to know herself as strong and worthy and invaluable.
I was not convinced by the dad's transformation but there are a lot of books in this world so hopefully we'll get to see him get fully re-in touch with his humanity through other stories.
The covers of these books are annoying as shit. They do not look like bear shifter lumberjacks. They look like post adolescent frat boys. These dudes should be hairy. Seriously, where's the scruffy chest hair and happy trail?
May 8, 2021
Overall I liked this book and I will continue on with the series after a small break.
I was a big fan of the type of sifter Diem was.
I felt like the relationship between Diem and Bruiser seemed to be a bit rushed and sudden, even for this series.
I also had a hard time with Diem's personality. She was so closed and frigid and used to living in a mansion basically. Her personality made a 180 almost immediately. And had no real complaints going from a very nice house/lifestyle to living in a 30 year old trailer. I know it's a short novel and it kind of needed to happen to work, but it seemed a bit too fast and sudden to me. Regardless overall it was sweet and short, but perhaps not very realistic.
I was a big fan of the type of sifter Diem was.
I felt like the relationship between Diem and Bruiser seemed to be a bit rushed and sudden, even for this series.
I also had a hard time with Diem's personality. She was so closed and frigid and used to living in a mansion basically. Her personality made a 180 almost immediately. And had no real complaints going from a very nice house/lifestyle to living in a 30 year old trailer. I know it's a short novel and it kind of needed to happen to work, but it seemed a bit too fast and sudden to me. Regardless overall it was sweet and short, but perhaps not very realistic.
May 27, 2017
The Ashe crew just gets better and better! I wasn't thrilled with the arranged marriage story line but this book was DELIGHTFUL! I love Diem and Bruiser! Such a great match for one another and Diem is a terrific addition to this motley crew! Seeing Damon Daye put in his place was pretty nice too!!! I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this beautiful couple!
May 18, 2015
Overall Rating: 4.25 Rockin’ ★★★★
Thank you, T.S. Joyce! Axman Werebear is the perfect "cherry on top" addition to the Saw Bears series. All members of the crew have found their mates and are content and happy, just the way we as readers like. Horace "Bruiser" Keller and Diem Daye complete the Ash Crew perfectly in this paranormal romance set in the Montana Mountain trailer park.
This delicious read begins with an agreement made between Damon Daye, a dragon shifter and Bruiser a member of the Ashe Crew. He agrees to marry the dragon’s daughter, sight unseen if Damon will help his family. Bruiser did not know what he was getting himself into, but all he cared about was helping his half-brothers protect their crew. Damon Daye provided the strength and power to help him succeed in protecting his brothers’ crew and now it was time for Bruiser to marry his daughter.
When Bruiser first meets the stoic Diem he isn't sure what he's getting into, but as the walls she has built around her heart begin to crumble and he gets to know her, he and his animal know she will be theirs forever. Diem didn't have any clue about the agreement that her father had made with the bear shifter, or that she would be getting married the same day she met him. Although she had always known that she was expendable to her father and he looked at her as a breeder, not a daughter. She thought she was losing her freedom by marrying the bear, but learned quickly she had gained her life back instead.
T.S. Joyce is amazing. We revisited the gang and their new little arrival was an extra plus! This is a quick and extremely satisfying read. Another great story added to my library. Can't wait to see what this fantastic author will give us next.
Axman WerebearT. S. Joyce
Thank you, T.S. Joyce! Axman Werebear is the perfect "cherry on top" addition to the Saw Bears series. All members of the crew have found their mates and are content and happy, just the way we as readers like. Horace "Bruiser" Keller and Diem Daye complete the Ash Crew perfectly in this paranormal romance set in the Montana Mountain trailer park.
This delicious read begins with an agreement made between Damon Daye, a dragon shifter and Bruiser a member of the Ashe Crew. He agrees to marry the dragon’s daughter, sight unseen if Damon will help his family. Bruiser did not know what he was getting himself into, but all he cared about was helping his half-brothers protect their crew. Damon Daye provided the strength and power to help him succeed in protecting his brothers’ crew and now it was time for Bruiser to marry his daughter.
When Bruiser first meets the stoic Diem he isn't sure what he's getting into, but as the walls she has built around her heart begin to crumble and he gets to know her, he and his animal know she will be theirs forever. Diem didn't have any clue about the agreement that her father had made with the bear shifter, or that she would be getting married the same day she met him. Although she had always known that she was expendable to her father and he looked at her as a breeder, not a daughter. She thought she was losing her freedom by marrying the bear, but learned quickly she had gained her life back instead.
T.S. Joyce is amazing. We revisited the gang and their new little arrival was an extra plus! This is a quick and extremely satisfying read. Another great story added to my library. Can't wait to see what this fantastic author will give us next.
Axman WerebearT. S. Joyce
June 28, 2015
I really loved this, as I love the whole Saw Bears series. I can't say a lot, because it would spoil the book for you. If you have been reading the Saw Bears Series, you already know Bruiser as a great character. He is our hero, and we get to know him really well in this book.
The heroine is a new character, also a shifter, but an important thing we find out in this book is that life is harder for some shifters than others.
The story starts with an arranged marriage, but don't worry, this is a sexy romance. There is some heart-wrenching stuff, there is some fun stuff, and some exciting action. Both main characters grow a lot through the story, which ends in a wonderful Happy Ever After.
The heroine is a new character, also a shifter, but an important thing we find out in this book is that life is harder for some shifters than others.
The story starts with an arranged marriage, but don't worry, this is a sexy romance. There is some heart-wrenching stuff, there is some fun stuff, and some exciting action. Both main characters grow a lot through the story, which ends in a wonderful Happy Ever After.
June 29, 2024
I enjoyed getting a glimpse into Brusier's life. Literally a glimpse, no fond memories with his half-brothers, no slip ups with Ma Keller, and no awkward teenage story that changed him into the man he is. Diem's life wasn't much better with details. These two back stories would normally leave huge holes in the characters' personality or thinking patterns but it all makes sense.
update June 2017: Re-reading and wondering if female dragon shifters had had c-sections would they have lived or been too weak from not shifting to handle surgery? Or would shifter healing complicate that type of surgery? hmm 75% through during these thoughts.
update June 2017: Re-reading and wondering if female dragon shifters had had c-sections would they have lived or been too weak from not shifting to handle surgery? Or would shifter healing complicate that type of surgery? hmm 75% through during these thoughts.
November 6, 2016
3.5 stars
Not my favourite of the series but still really good. It just took me a while to warm up to Diem. Her mean father is to blame since he's kept her isolated and unemotional her entire life. She thinks she's only good for one thing (breeding) and she's terrified.
When daddy-dearest forces her to marry Bruiser, she doesn't know what to expect. Thankfully, Bruiser can show her how special she really is.
Not my favourite of the series but still really good. It just took me a while to warm up to Diem. Her mean father is to blame since he's kept her isolated and unemotional her entire life. She thinks she's only good for one thing (breeding) and she's terrified.
When daddy-dearest forces her to marry Bruiser, she doesn't know what to expect. Thankfully, Bruiser can show her how special she really is.
August 31, 2025
I really enjoyed Axman Werebear by T.S Joyce.
Bruiser and Deim's relationship forms because of an arranged marriage at the hands of her father. Neither one are excited about it, but they can't deny the instant chemistry between them. The only problem, Deim was raised to show no emotion at all and believes she is only good for one thing. Breeding.
Can Bruiser help repair years of damage that her father caused her?
One click and find out
Bruiser and Deim's relationship forms because of an arranged marriage at the hands of her father. Neither one are excited about it, but they can't deny the instant chemistry between them. The only problem, Deim was raised to show no emotion at all and believes she is only good for one thing. Breeding.
Can Bruiser help repair years of damage that her father caused her?
One click and find out
November 25, 2017
This was a real love story with Bruiser refusing to risk Diem's life or let her live in her cold shell. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
April 10, 2016
A guilty pleasure, but a good one. This is one of the strongest ones in the series so far with a dragon shifter heroine and some intense family drama.
May 11, 2020
Nope. Not worth the effort and time it took me to read, and for some reason I couldn't return it.
So... Bruiser. He's been mentioned in previous books of the same saga and surprisingly in another books of another saga. While there's very little to know about him through those books, the introduction for him in this one does a great job, I was actually interested in him for how he's presented, and how his emotions are made clear, so there was empathy and understanding, a good start. There were things about his personality that were lacking too, like he's reasoning for having a mate or getting one, it's chauvinistic in a sense and very immature. But enough about him was nice and I came to like and root for him more than for Diem. There's also growth for him, while it is made to look as if brought about by Diem, I think it's still a great moment of maturity and emotional growth for him.
Diem (what a great name for a dragon, really) kind of wanted to be a good character but didn't formally reach that place. Thanks to her intro I really wanted to like it, but just a chapter later she became a grade A bitch. I was seriously annoyed by her. I understand she's lived a complicated life, but earlier words make later words spewed by her into an undeserved and unwarranted cheapening of the earlier ones. It makes Diem from the intro a completely different character than Diem a couple chapters later. There were also inconsistencies in how she grew throughout the book, like saying something is gonna be difficult for you but it's a piece of cake later without any explanation.
I felt their relationship pretty one sided. While Bruiser made an effort to make things better, the parts when Diem "connects" with Bruiser seem forced and fake. There's particularly a moment when the a tone is set and as soon as the "gratitous" scene ends it feels as if the author decided it was time for emotional drama and connection forcing a change of tone that killed the mood and made me wonder why would Diem do that? It sounds like shooting yourself in the foot.
There are also more repetitive things in the story, like the "She'd done that" used before in other books and sagas or that "all girls are noisy in bed" and that is good. So... wanna give quiet girls a complex? Maybe the author doesn't notice this, but people who read several of her books might... and they might be insulted or bothered by it. Or how all characters have used the same expression "baby diarrhea" to describe a certain part of 1010. I have ideas of why this is... but they don't make it work, it just feels like lazy writing.
Lastly, the way the issue with her father, Damon Daye is resolved is definitely LAZY. Damon starts by acting one way full throtle and while I understand 180° changes can happen, the way this one happens is imposible to believe, it's unreal. Instead of showing emotional distress, failure to cope and a time to slowly accept the error of his way, Damon goes on a roundabout speech to finally come to the conclusion that the sky is blue, right after Bruiser had stated the sky is blue, but acting as if he had come to said conclusion alone. Then later, not a year later or more, he appears out of nowhere as if changed for another person killing the persona he had been given by the author. I felt this was a disrespectful act towards her character, and made the whole fight less important.
In the end. I was annoyed, disappointed and frustrated. I find myself constantly wondering WHY I read TS Joyce's books... maybe because a couple have been proven to be good. Maybe... but this one, nope, not even close. Read only if necessary.
So... Bruiser. He's been mentioned in previous books of the same saga and surprisingly in another books of another saga. While there's very little to know about him through those books, the introduction for him in this one does a great job, I was actually interested in him for how he's presented, and how his emotions are made clear, so there was empathy and understanding, a good start. There were things about his personality that were lacking too, like he's reasoning for having a mate or getting one, it's chauvinistic in a sense and very immature. But enough about him was nice and I came to like and root for him more than for Diem. There's also growth for him, while it is made to look as if brought about by Diem, I think it's still a great moment of maturity and emotional growth for him.
Diem (what a great name for a dragon, really) kind of wanted to be a good character but didn't formally reach that place. Thanks to her intro I really wanted to like it, but just a chapter later she became a grade A bitch. I was seriously annoyed by her. I understand she's lived a complicated life, but earlier words make later words spewed by her into an undeserved and unwarranted cheapening of the earlier ones. It makes Diem from the intro a completely different character than Diem a couple chapters later. There were also inconsistencies in how she grew throughout the book, like saying something is gonna be difficult for you but it's a piece of cake later without any explanation.
I felt their relationship pretty one sided. While Bruiser made an effort to make things better, the parts when Diem "connects" with Bruiser seem forced and fake. There's particularly a moment when the a tone is set and as soon as the "gratitous" scene ends it feels as if the author decided it was time for emotional drama and connection forcing a change of tone that killed the mood and made me wonder why would Diem do that? It sounds like shooting yourself in the foot.
There are also more repetitive things in the story, like the "She'd done that" used before in other books and sagas or that "all girls are noisy in bed" and that is good. So... wanna give quiet girls a complex? Maybe the author doesn't notice this, but people who read several of her books might... and they might be insulted or bothered by it. Or how all characters have used the same expression "baby diarrhea" to describe a certain part of 1010. I have ideas of why this is... but they don't make it work, it just feels like lazy writing.
Lastly, the way the issue with her father, Damon Daye is resolved is definitely LAZY. Damon starts by acting one way full throtle and while I understand 180° changes can happen, the way this one happens is imposible to believe, it's unreal. Instead of showing emotional distress, failure to cope and a time to slowly accept the error of his way, Damon goes on a roundabout speech to finally come to the conclusion that the sky is blue, right after Bruiser had stated the sky is blue, but acting as if he had come to said conclusion alone. Then later, not a year later or more, he appears out of nowhere as if changed for another person killing the persona he had been given by the author. I felt this was a disrespectful act towards her character, and made the whole fight less important.
In the end. I was annoyed, disappointed and frustrated. I find myself constantly wondering WHY I read TS Joyce's books... maybe because a couple have been proven to be good. Maybe... but this one, nope, not even close. Read only if necessary.
August 9, 2017
What Is It About:
Bruiser is going to follow through on his end of a deal and take part in an arranged marriage with his boss' daughter; even if it is a little awkward, it was worth it to keep his family safe. Diem is a dragon shifter, abandoned by her mother at birth and raised by her cold father whose only concern is carrying on his genetics. Neither of them particularly like the arranged marriage but they'll follow through and make it work, hopefully falling in love and working their way through any secrets that may come to light.
What I Liked and Didn't:
I kind of identify with Diem as a character; emotional but likes to be portrayed as unfeeling and has a resting bitch face. She's sheltered and inexperienced. She's thrust into something that isn't of her choosing but she rolls with it, so she's pretty badass, especially when she thinks that the mating is just to kill her. I've liked Bruiser throughout the series so it's pretty entertaining to read him get his own happy ending. I will admit that it's hard to differentiate his personality from all the other members of his crew. I understand that they'd be similar but I couldn't tell any differences except for how weird Kellen is in comparison to everyone else.
Plot-wise, I'd say that the relationships were the most of the plot, if anything there was no other plot. The relationship between Diem and Bruiser grows in a realistic way, but the lust was pretty instant. There is a pretty dramatic ending that makes Diem seem even cooler in her willingness to protect those closest too her.
Final Thoughts:
I was pretty chuffed with this one because I love any book that has a dragon shifter. This book was one of those that are enjoyable to read but when it comes to explaining what happened, not much comes to mind.
Would I recommend it? As part of the series, yeah.
Will I be carrying on the series? Sure, I'd say I'm pretty invested now.
Bruiser is going to follow through on his end of a deal and take part in an arranged marriage with his boss' daughter; even if it is a little awkward, it was worth it to keep his family safe. Diem is a dragon shifter, abandoned by her mother at birth and raised by her cold father whose only concern is carrying on his genetics. Neither of them particularly like the arranged marriage but they'll follow through and make it work, hopefully falling in love and working their way through any secrets that may come to light.
What I Liked and Didn't:
I kind of identify with Diem as a character; emotional but likes to be portrayed as unfeeling and has a resting bitch face. She's sheltered and inexperienced. She's thrust into something that isn't of her choosing but she rolls with it, so she's pretty badass, especially when she thinks that the mating is just to kill her. I've liked Bruiser throughout the series so it's pretty entertaining to read him get his own happy ending. I will admit that it's hard to differentiate his personality from all the other members of his crew. I understand that they'd be similar but I couldn't tell any differences except for how weird Kellen is in comparison to everyone else.
Plot-wise, I'd say that the relationships were the most of the plot, if anything there was no other plot. The relationship between Diem and Bruiser grows in a realistic way, but the lust was pretty instant. There is a pretty dramatic ending that makes Diem seem even cooler in her willingness to protect those closest too her.
Final Thoughts:
I was pretty chuffed with this one because I love any book that has a dragon shifter. This book was one of those that are enjoyable to read but when it comes to explaining what happened, not much comes to mind.
Would I recommend it? As part of the series, yeah.
Will I be carrying on the series? Sure, I'd say I'm pretty invested now.
September 10, 2018
Reading order for Damon's Mountains
I loved this chemistry between them. I also love the interspecies. I find it a shame they won't have babies but I do appreciate and love the way he doesn't want them if it means no her.
I loved this chemistry between them. I also love the interspecies. I find it a shame they won't have babies but I do appreciate and love the way he doesn't want them if it means no her.
November 10, 2017
This is the fifth book in this series and they should be read in order but the series also mixes with the Fire Bears series. Bruiser makes a deal with Damon Daye to help save his family in the first book of the fire bears series. Now he must make good on that deal. He agreed to marry Damon daughter the last female dragon shifter. Diem has lead a very sheltered life. He father has made this deal behind her back and she isn’t happy about it at all. Dragon shifters are different from the bear shifters of the Ashe crew especially female dragons. Bruiser and Diem are about to learn a hard lesson and they will have to decide how they want to proceed. Neither of them really wanted this mating but now they have it. They are married and will come to learn a lot of things very quickly. Diem is angry and now the only person she has to let the anger go on is Bruiser. She doesn’t know that he doesn’t know about the females of her kind. She thinks that he only wants to breed with her and be done. Bruiser and the Ashe crew in general aren’t like that. They love their mates and would do anything for her. Diem quickly realizes that while Bruiser may not have been excited about the pairing he is the same way. If they can get to know each other they just may find they are perfect for each other. The crew is there for them as they navigate this new part of their lives. Damon Daye may not like the choices Diem and Bruiser make. Will they be able to make the old dragon accept what they decide? Again, another fantastic book by T.S. Joyce. With each book I read I am drawn deeper into the series. All the characters are fantastic and are always there for each other. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 30, 2019
You know those romances that just make you go...
This is one of those.
It starts a few days after the conclusion of Bear My Soul, in which Bruiser basically walks in like a badass and saves the day. He had help from Damon Daye, the dragon shifter who owns the mountain the Ashe Crew works on. The deal for helping him was that Bruiser would marry his daughter Diem.
Of course, neither of the MCs are looking forward to the match - Bruiser was hoping to mate for love, and Diem didn't want to get married at all. But of course, they end up falling in love and living happily ever after.
What I love about this author's books is that she is capable of creating a relationship that feels real in a short amount of time. When she gets it right, like in this book, the relationship doesn't feel rushed or forced, it feels like a natural progression, and as the reader, you believe in the couple. So many romances, especially those involving shifters, skip the relationship moments, so it's hard to care about the MCs. This book is a great example of how T. S. Joyce can deliver. Just loved it. Diem was a wonderful heroine, and Brusier was a strong and sweet hero. Perfectly done.
This is one of those.
It starts a few days after the conclusion of Bear My Soul, in which Bruiser basically walks in like a badass and saves the day. He had help from Damon Daye, the dragon shifter who owns the mountain the Ashe Crew works on. The deal for helping him was that Bruiser would marry his daughter Diem.
Of course, neither of the MCs are looking forward to the match - Bruiser was hoping to mate for love, and Diem didn't want to get married at all. But of course, they end up falling in love and living happily ever after.
What I love about this author's books is that she is capable of creating a relationship that feels real in a short amount of time. When she gets it right, like in this book, the relationship doesn't feel rushed or forced, it feels like a natural progression, and as the reader, you believe in the couple. So many romances, especially those involving shifters, skip the relationship moments, so it's hard to care about the MCs. This book is a great example of how T. S. Joyce can deliver. Just loved it. Diem was a wonderful heroine, and Brusier was a strong and sweet hero. Perfectly done.
September 18, 2018
Done with book 5 and I'm now too invested to stop reading this series. What can I say? It grew on me (especially since I've been binge-reading these books for the past four days). I need to know who everyone ends up with and the future of Ashe Crew (because you can only log a mountain side for so long before you have to stop).
Alright, so, here's what I liked:
1. The characters are likable (with the exception of a few).
2. I love how strong men are paired up with equally strong women.
3. The dialogue flows nicely. There's a good balance between sarcasm and realness.
4. I love the different shifters introduced so far. It's rare that I come across a shifter novel that includes non run of the mill beasts like this series does.
What I didn't like so much:
1. The characters falling in love in three days (not just in this book but pretty much every book in the Saw Bears series so far).
2. Basically healing from 20 years worth of insecurities/trauma/issues in an extremely short amount of time.
3. How fast relationships move in this series so that there isn't a build up as the characters get to know each other over a period of months or years. There's no 'will they, won't they' moments that keep me on the edge of my seat as I ponder the two main characters love lives.
4. Character development could go deeper. I want to know about the past of Ashe Crew. I want to learn about what makes each character tick and not just get a glossed overview (to be fair, Brighton and Everly's relationship has been the most revealing so far).
Overall, I've been enjoying reading these books. They're fast reads and lighthearted for the most part.
Alright, so, here's what I liked:
1. The characters are likable (with the exception of a few).
2. I love how strong men are paired up with equally strong women.
3. The dialogue flows nicely. There's a good balance between sarcasm and realness.
4. I love the different shifters introduced so far. It's rare that I come across a shifter novel that includes non run of the mill beasts like this series does.
What I didn't like so much:
1. The characters falling in love in three days (not just in this book but pretty much every book in the Saw Bears series so far).
2. Basically healing from 20 years worth of insecurities/trauma/issues in an extremely short amount of time.
3. How fast relationships move in this series so that there isn't a build up as the characters get to know each other over a period of months or years. There's no 'will they, won't they' moments that keep me on the edge of my seat as I ponder the two main characters love lives.
4. Character development could go deeper. I want to know about the past of Ashe Crew. I want to learn about what makes each character tick and not just get a glossed overview (to be fair, Brighton and Everly's relationship has been the most revealing so far).
Overall, I've been enjoying reading these books. They're fast reads and lighthearted for the most part.
October 6, 2020
This one is on fire!🔥😉
So many questions answered!
This is book #5 of #7 in the Saw Bears Series, and book #6 of #48 in the Damon’s Mountains Universe Series. Audio wise you miss book #5 because its not available in audio yet.
This story starts with Bruiser facing the consequences of the deal he struck with the boss man to solve his “family issues” of that book #5. And by Bossman, I mean Mr. Damon himself. I had my theories as to his “identity” up to this point, and overall, it didn’t disappoint. Mostly. He was in the market for an attitude adjustment, for sure, at first, so it took a minute to warm up to him.
Diem is the boss’s daughter, and of his make, but not quite model. That will make more since once you get there, I just don’t want to spoil the big surprise. She is the newest resident of the magical Trailer 1010, and she has daddy issues. The girls of this make shift camp all rally to welcome her.
There are more feels and lots of “Fiery” moments. And yes, that pun was intended. A whole new paranormal is getting introduced and it is epic.
This story by T.S. Joyce is taking this series to a new level. Mackenzie Harte kept me engrossed. I’m looking forward to the BABIES!
I listened to this through Audible Escape. (you have until Nov. 01, 2020)
Bruiser ♥ Diem!
So many questions answered!
This is book #5 of #7 in the Saw Bears Series, and book #6 of #48 in the Damon’s Mountains Universe Series. Audio wise you miss book #5 because its not available in audio yet.
This story starts with Bruiser facing the consequences of the deal he struck with the boss man to solve his “family issues” of that book #5. And by Bossman, I mean Mr. Damon himself. I had my theories as to his “identity” up to this point, and overall, it didn’t disappoint. Mostly. He was in the market for an attitude adjustment, for sure, at first, so it took a minute to warm up to him.
Diem is the boss’s daughter, and of his make, but not quite model. That will make more since once you get there, I just don’t want to spoil the big surprise. She is the newest resident of the magical Trailer 1010, and she has daddy issues. The girls of this make shift camp all rally to welcome her.
There are more feels and lots of “Fiery” moments. And yes, that pun was intended. A whole new paranormal is getting introduced and it is epic.
This story by T.S. Joyce is taking this series to a new level. Mackenzie Harte kept me engrossed. I’m looking forward to the BABIES!
I listened to this through Audible Escape. (you have until Nov. 01, 2020)
Bruiser ♥ Diem!
February 2, 2024
Even though this was short, I loved the story it told.
Horace "Bruiser" Keller made a deal with the devil (aka Damon Daye the dragon) to save his family and in return he would marry Damon's daughter Diem. Not a bargain he wanted to make but he'd do almost anything to save his family. Too bad Diem had no idea she'd been bartered away until the actual wedding. I will say while this could have gone sideways in a hurry, Bruiser was all in as a husband from the minute he met her. And when he found out her secret, while potentially devastating to their future, he stepped up in a big way, as did the whole Ashe crew and it brought tears to my eyes.
Diem is a female dragon shifter (although half black bear), and it's her "job" (according to dear old Dad) to get pregnant and further their species as dragons. The only problem is, when a female dragon has a child, . Bruiser is having none of that and when the Ashe crew find out (especially the alpha Tegan), prepare to go to war with the last immortal dragon, Damon Daye.
I don't know how I missed reading this when I originally read the Ashe series, but I'm glad I went back and picked it up. 4 stars
Horace "Bruiser" Keller made a deal with the devil (aka Damon Daye the dragon) to save his family and in return he would marry Damon's daughter Diem. Not a bargain he wanted to make but he'd do almost anything to save his family. Too bad Diem had no idea she'd been bartered away until the actual wedding. I will say while this could have gone sideways in a hurry, Bruiser was all in as a husband from the minute he met her. And when he found out her secret, while potentially devastating to their future, he stepped up in a big way, as did the whole Ashe crew and it brought tears to my eyes.
Diem is a female dragon shifter (although half black bear), and it's her "job" (according to dear old Dad) to get pregnant and further their species as dragons. The only problem is, when a female dragon has a child, . Bruiser is having none of that and when the Ashe crew find out (especially the alpha Tegan), prepare to go to war with the last immortal dragon, Damon Daye.
I don't know how I missed reading this when I originally read the Ashe series, but I'm glad I went back and picked it up. 4 stars
October 6, 2020
This one is on fire!🔥😉
So many questions answered!
This is book #5 of #7 in the Saw Bears Series, and book #6 of #48 in the Damon’s Mountains Universe Series. Audio wise you miss book #5 because its not available in audio yet.
This story starts with Bruiser facing the consequences of the deal he struck with the boss man to solve his “family issues” of that book #5. And by Bossman, I mean Mr. Damon himself. I had my theories as to his “identity” up to this point, and overall, it didn’t disappoint. Mostly. He was in the market for an attitude adjustment, for sure, at first, so it took a minute to warm up to him.
Diem is the boss’s daughter, and of his make, but not quite model. That will make more since once you get there, I just don’t want to spoil the big surprise. She is the newest resident of the magical Trailer 1010, and she has daddy issues. The girls of this make shift camp all rally to welcome her.
There are more feels and lots of “Fiery” moments. And yes, that pun was intended. A whole new paranormal is getting introduced and it is epic.
I’m looking forward to the BABIES!
Available through Kindle Unlimited
Bruiser ♥ Diem!
So many questions answered!
This is book #5 of #7 in the Saw Bears Series, and book #6 of #48 in the Damon’s Mountains Universe Series. Audio wise you miss book #5 because its not available in audio yet.
This story starts with Bruiser facing the consequences of the deal he struck with the boss man to solve his “family issues” of that book #5. And by Bossman, I mean Mr. Damon himself. I had my theories as to his “identity” up to this point, and overall, it didn’t disappoint. Mostly. He was in the market for an attitude adjustment, for sure, at first, so it took a minute to warm up to him.
Diem is the boss’s daughter, and of his make, but not quite model. That will make more since once you get there, I just don’t want to spoil the big surprise. She is the newest resident of the magical Trailer 1010, and she has daddy issues. The girls of this make shift camp all rally to welcome her.
There are more feels and lots of “Fiery” moments. And yes, that pun was intended. A whole new paranormal is getting introduced and it is epic.
I’m looking forward to the BABIES!
Available through Kindle Unlimited
Bruiser ♥ Diem!
October 22, 2019
Fire up
Diem (dragon) and Bruiser (bear) were an odd couple. Started off as an arranged marriage or more accurately a contracted one.
Parts felt like they needed some smoothing and parts I really felt like there pairing would have had more hiccups. Such as her being raised to be elite, taken care of on estate. Doubt she would have adjusted so well.
I realized I read his brothers book after he called and talked to him. Recommend adding a link to it, or comment that his book is connected to this series.
(Spoiler)
Surprised author decided not to find a way to explain how they could have children together.
It is illogical that all the female dragons die given birth. Or that there are none left. So where did they come from? Another planet?
Lastly her father wanting a dragon baby for companionship since he is immortal? Really?
Only logical pairing he should have picked were other flying shifters or reptiles to breed with.
Besides above, I look forward to reading rest of books. As well rest of books by author.
Diem (dragon) and Bruiser (bear) were an odd couple. Started off as an arranged marriage or more accurately a contracted one.
Parts felt like they needed some smoothing and parts I really felt like there pairing would have had more hiccups. Such as her being raised to be elite, taken care of on estate. Doubt she would have adjusted so well.
I realized I read his brothers book after he called and talked to him. Recommend adding a link to it, or comment that his book is connected to this series.
(Spoiler)
Surprised author decided not to find a way to explain how they could have children together.
It is illogical that all the female dragons die given birth. Or that there are none left. So where did they come from? Another planet?
Lastly her father wanting a dragon baby for companionship since he is immortal? Really?
Only logical pairing he should have picked were other flying shifters or reptiles to breed with.
Besides above, I look forward to reading rest of books. As well rest of books by author.
January 18, 2020
Noteworthy!!!
Bruiser Keller made a deal with Damon Daye in exchange for helping him out with a family matter, he would marry the dragon shifter's daughter's Diem Daye.
Diem got the shock of her life when her father withheld some life altering information from her until she was informed by the Alpha of the Ashe Crew Tagan regarding her marriage with one of his crew member Horace "Bruiser" Keller.
The first time Diem and Bruiser came face-to-face they realized that they were not how the other expected, Bruiser cleared the air and told her about the part he played in her ordeal.
Bruiser's kind heart won Diem over, the latter learned to love and trust, what she thought was him taking her freedom away from her.....turned out to be the one thing that brought happiness to her life.....Her union was Bruiser was the best thing to ever happened to Diem, she found unconventional love and a place that really felt like home for the first.
T. S. Joyce just keep sucking me in with her distinguished writing...Five stars and a recommendation to grab this alluring book.
Bruiser Keller made a deal with Damon Daye in exchange for helping him out with a family matter, he would marry the dragon shifter's daughter's Diem Daye.
Diem got the shock of her life when her father withheld some life altering information from her until she was informed by the Alpha of the Ashe Crew Tagan regarding her marriage with one of his crew member Horace "Bruiser" Keller.
The first time Diem and Bruiser came face-to-face they realized that they were not how the other expected, Bruiser cleared the air and told her about the part he played in her ordeal.
Bruiser's kind heart won Diem over, the latter learned to love and trust, what she thought was him taking her freedom away from her.....turned out to be the one thing that brought happiness to her life.....Her union was Bruiser was the best thing to ever happened to Diem, she found unconventional love and a place that really felt like home for the first.
T. S. Joyce just keep sucking me in with her distinguished writing...Five stars and a recommendation to grab this alluring book.
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