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Fire Bears #3

Bear the Heat

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Cora Wright is walking a fine line between standing up for what’s right, and keeping her job secure. As a local news reporter, her need to defend the Breck Crew of newly outed bear shifters risks everything she loves about her life. But when she meets Boone Keller, tatted up bad boy bear shifter, her world tilts dangerously on its axis. And the more he lets her into his secret life, the harder she falls for a man she isn’t supposed to love.

If Boone wants to keep the fiery news reporter he’s been secretly coveting safe, the friend-zone is where she’ll have to stay. He’s been doing a bang-up job of avoiding the woman who has been publicly rallying for his crew, but a chance meeting with Cora is killing his reserve. And when she shuts down his attempt to push her away, he’ll have to decide whether to draw her in close to protect her from his secrets, or cut her loose to save her life.

Content Warning: explicit love scenes, naughty language, and piles of sexy shifter secrets.
Adult only bear shifter romance.

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 12, 2015

462 people are currently reading
335 people want to read

About the author

T.S. Joyce

160 books3,450 followers
T.S. Joyce is devoted to bringing hot shifter romances to readers. Hungry alpha males are her calling card, and the wilder the men, the more she'll make them pour their hearts out. She werebear swears there'll be no swooning heroines in her books. It takes tough-as-nails women to handle the shifters of Bear Valley.

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

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

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5 stars
2,163 (59%)
4 stars
954 (26%)
3 stars
432 (11%)
2 stars
49 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
Profile Image for AG Reads.
464 reviews14 followers
October 28, 2018
Reread. The Fire Bears books are still my favorite by this author.
Profile Image for Maria11.
2,000 reviews44 followers
May 4, 2016
Great end to the series. I again express my surprise on how much I liked the story as I read too many shifter books and get bored.

Sweet story. This one was a tad more instant love, but that's ok it was still good. Cora is a beautiful person inside and out. They way she looks at things and helped the family was touching and beautiful. Loved her!

Boone was interesting and has a great deal trapped inside him. We got the I am nor good enough for you speal that we got from the others, but he is a sweet sexy guy.

Great read, great series.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,069 reviews
November 13, 2015
Why couldn't there have been more bears in the crew? I don't want it to be over.
Profile Image for Debbie.
730 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2025
Bear the Heat

The background story going on in this book is right on the mark for our time. It's copyrighted ten years ago and yet the swaying of public opinion has been central to RL politics (2025). These bear shifters have come out to the public and are dealing with everyone's judgements,

“I am what they think I am!” His face had morphed into something heartbreaking— anger and defeat, sadness and a plea for her to accept the monster inside of him. “Whatever the world thinks of you, that’s what you are. It’s why your public image is so important. Surely, you can see that.”

The MFC is a journalist which is exactly what they need to help them survive in this day and age. I also liked this quote because it looks at the dilemma of who we think we are vs who the outside world thinks we are, and the effect of that outside world opinion on our views of ourselves.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,456 reviews103 followers
February 27, 2019
"Boone was clamp-that-mouth-shut-wipe-that-drool sexy, and it wasn't fair"

"It wasn't Boone the animal that was dangerous to her. It was Boone the man who was conjuring the ability to wreck her completely."

"I'd rather have one great day with you than a thousand forgettable days with someone else."


I enjoyed this one a lot! Cora was plain awesome her knack for giving way too much information was hilarious and I loved her honesty and bravery. She was just an all around strong character and perfect for Boone. Boone with his tortured soul and fears of turning into his father was a deep character who was hard on the outside but a big old softie on the inside.
Profile Image for Amanda.
326 reviews14 followers
September 30, 2020
Awesome

Absolutely loved it. I will say I laughed at Cora’s horrible description of what she walked in on her boyfriend or Fiancé. I I actually read that part twice cause it was one of those (no she really didn’t say all that, did she?) kind of moments. Honestly laughed so hard. Boone goodness what can I say about him. He tries to close himself of so much but the mate bond with Cora hit him hard. He wants to protect her, not just from people trying to kill them but from himself. Must read to know...
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
December 22, 2018
This one really got to me, a big part of that was Cora and her job. Sure the romance between her and Boone was great, but her thinking of the Breck Crew at stressful times was better. I loved how the clip turned out, very rough and raw, but that was what was needed for people to see that the Kellers were still the people they have known all their lives. It made the very ending all the sweeter!
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
May 27, 2016
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Bear Shifters have been outed and the public reaction to the news is definitely mixed. Cora Wright was there from the start, right when one of the men released his bear in order to save the life of his mate. She offered the solid suggestion that they say nothing more at that time, anything they said in that moment would affect how the world viewed them later. It might have seemed an extremely odd thing for a TV reporter to do – but from the start Cora viewed these shifters differently than a news story.

Boone noticed Cora that first fateful night. He knew what she was to him. And his first reaction was – no, no way. He did his best to fight his attraction for Cora. Trouble was he ran hot and cold around her, but nothing changed what he and his bear knew or how Cora didn’t back away from him. She was his mate and while keeping her safe was his biggest concern, keeping her close soon became a necessity.

The controversy and the dangers continue for the Beck Crew in Bear The Heat. As the world slowly adjusts to the knowledge of shifters, those directly involved are learning a new reality. While many of the people they’ve lived their lives around rally for them, support them and defend them – the other side of the coin is a fear, hatred and prejudice against the unknown that is gaining momentum. The IESA will not leave these men alone, and once again they will try to harm members of the Beck Crew.

The one strong, constant supporter of the shifters is Cora Wright. She has no fear of them, not really. Oh, sure it’s hard to not think twice when a huge bear shows up right beside you, but she knows who is inside that bear, even if her natural fight or flight reactions sometimes kick in. And the closer she gets to this amazing family, the more she falls in love with Boone, the less that reaction happens.

One of the most touching scenes in this combined series happens near the ending of Cora and Boone’s story. Cora has put together a special news report, one that will show the shifters in a light that will begin to change some people’s minds. Other’s fears will never change. We also get some cameo appearances by the Ashe Crew, touching moments that keep the connection between series alive in a very relevant way.

I enjoy this combined series so much. Characters that I care about, a detailed, interesting story line, an actual plot and love stories that are hot and sizzling along with the emotional need the couples have for each other. A tight knit community and an ongoing story that reflects the times we live in (yes it’s fiction – but haters are haters whether real or fictional).

If you love Shifter Romance, then this is a story and a series that you should get caught up in.
Profile Image for Red T.
141 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2023
Cora Wright starts as an interesting character in the previous book, only to get somewhat boring in her own book. She was introduced as an impartial party, a tough as nails truth seeker, and a decent human being, truly an interesting character but her first appearance in her own book changes the her into a woman who mourns over a dead beat dude and then jumps onto pinning over another dude. The topic is treated as if that's her.

Boone (is it legal to name your child Boone?) sadly starts of as a carbon copy of his brothers. There's not much difference between them in how they act, what they think and their problems, when even twins have different ways of looking at the world. He's also a jerk... I was partial to him in the beginning because of how vulnerable he appeared but a few chapters in he started acting out in a way that made me lose all appreciation for him. He was presented as a hero, a good guy and right of the bat he goes hot and cold with Cora and then openly humiliates her, getting abusive and distant. He's attitude towards her reminds me of a certain shiny vampire, going all "get away from me" but "keep close to me", giving a poor woman whiplash and creating a rather toxic relationship between them. I don't think this is healthy or good in any romance book, but it's pretty common for TS Joyce.

Again the IESA is the villain here, but this time there's no Shayna... no, this time there's a RANDOM-IESA-AGENT#2 cause Shayna was not plot device-y enough. The characters mention how strange their own actions were, seeming desperate but because this has happened before, not in a "we're desperate" way but in a "we're stupid and don't know what we're doing" way, I can't help but see it as "these people are idiots". This, obviously, makes IESA a laughable villain.
There was also an extra character doing some extra character things to "up the conflict" but it also felt unbelievable, cause businesses such as newspapers don't just publish whatever the hell a writer wants to write, specially when there's the possibility of getting sued for slander.

About the main couple, I didn't feel their relationship was real, I didn't see them really connect further than Cora trying to help all shifters and Bruiser having a magical mystical instinctive tie to her. And some of their actions throughout the book leave their common sense in question, making it seem as if they are together basically because TS Joyce wanted them to have sex in the middle of a forest right after they talk about protecting their images.

On a more positive note, I did like the ending. I thought the documentary to be probably too cheesy and could've been done better, but it still worked, and the ending felt natural and earned. The emotional level was true, appropriate and the resolution to their background problem satisfactory for the ending of the trilogy.

I think if you were able to read it for free (loaning it from a friend or library), the trilogy could be a nice way to "waste your time". But there's not much to it. I honestly wouldn't buy it. I give it a 2 stars ranking only because there's no 1.5.
Profile Image for Laura.
1,122 reviews
August 9, 2017
What Is It About:
Cora is a reporter that is pro-shifter. She sees the Kellers for what the really are, a family, rather than animals. She feels a connection with Boone the instant she meets him, but they're both stuck with friendship. Boone wants to save her from the issues with the public and government that she would have to deal with if they were together.

What I Liked and Didn't:
I quite liked Cora as a character. She showed loyalty and was pretty sassy. But she did come off as a bit of a wimp when it came to her cheating ex-boyfriend. Boone was okay, I just think that I'm not particularly a fan of the Keller family. I did like their relationship, I appreciated that Cora balanced him out and lightened him up. The video described made me like them a bit more.
Plot-wise, it was a weakened version of the corrupt government with extra violence from them and from the anti-shifters. It was a particularly special plot but it was certainly entertaining to read and I didn't struggle to finish it.

Final Thoughts:
This was one of those books that I enjoyed but cannot describe much of a plot. I think that this was my favourite of the Fire Bears Series but not of the entire series. With T.S. Joyce's books, the characters are typically the strongest parts of the series.
Would I recommend it? If you've made it through the entire Fire Bear Series, then I'd definitely say read this book.
Will I be carrying on the series? Definitely, the series is back on track with the Saw Bear Series.
Profile Image for Tiblu.
1,255 reviews49 followers
July 1, 2020
Loved 💕 loved 💕 LOVED💕

I’ve read soo many books by Ms.Joyce I’ve lost track but
this is by f a r my favorite.
This has everything I need in a story. An interesting story,fun/compelling characters, enough depth to feel like we did more than scratch the surface of the ppl and their story.
I loved Cora and Boone,soo much. I wasn’t happy to see the story end but for once not because it felt too short but because I love Cora and Boone soo much I just wanted more time with them. I also wish I could have seen Cora and Rory be turned and met their bears.
What would their bears look like.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa,so curious am I ❣️
Ms. Joyce hadn’t mentioned them being turned in her book about reading orders and her interview.
I’m thrilled to know they turned even though I’m of the belief that “Weres “ and Shifters Are. Not. The sane thing .
In all the books that formed my beliefs ,shifters are born NOT made. Were’s are made NOT born. Exception w/shifters being the can “turn” their fated mates . Only.
But in those worlds though shifters longer lives ,not as long as Fae or Vampires but nothing like a human life span either.
All paranormals should be living longer lives.
I love these shifters ❣️
But I’m often discouraged by the thought of all the hurt and struggles a shifter can go through and yet he/she might only live the same 70/80/90 years like a human.
That’s just not right.
But I highly recommend this story Boone and Cora are just amazing .
Profile Image for Debbie.
2,694 reviews50 followers
January 21, 2019
Bear the Heat is the third book in the Fire Bears series and is Boone’s and Cora’s book.

Boone is determined to keep his attraction and the feelings he has for Cora to himself. I feel like he’s the most stubborn and intimidating of the Keller brothers in this series. He is quick to shut down, and he held out the longest out of all his brothers before giving in to his bear’s choice. Cora is the news reporter who has repeatedly sided with his family when they were revealed to the pubic. She is always speaking up for Boone’s family which they are grateful for.

The more time Boone and Cora spent together, the harder it was for both of them to remain only friends. The connection was there and we learn that Cora has a little stubbornness in her as well, since she didn’t let Boone push her away.

The ending was really sweet for all the couples. However there is a lot that is mentioned that either happened, or is going to happen, which takes place off the page and I wish we were given front row seats to those events.
Profile Image for Joanne Mountford.
317 reviews23 followers
January 12, 2018
Cora Wright is a news reporter. She’s been in the background trying to help the Kellers AKA Breck Crew since learning of their existence.
Most people - humans - often feel threatened by what they don’t know or understand. Cora is trying to change the minds of hundreds while still being true to her job.

Boone Keller. Boy, these men certainly know how to hold my attention. He’s been watching over Cora. If there is one thing I have learned while reading these stories is that the Breck Crew will protect the woman and their families with their lives. Boone is one fierce protector.

Boone is hiding the biggest secret from not only Cora, but his family as well. It’s a lot for a man to carry around. The sooner everything is out in the open the better things will be for everyone concerned.

I have enjoyed this series so much, I am off to check out other shifter romances by this Author.
Profile Image for PepperP0t .
5,108 reviews86 followers
January 1, 2021
***NOTE: This reader would suggest reading this subseries of Damon’s Mountain in order.***
Over the months following the events in Bear the Burn, the newly outed Breckenridge crew find themselves in need of a publicist and one who has shown herself to firmly be in their corner is TV personality, Cora Wright, which just fine with Boone Keller.

But trouble is ahead for this couple before they can get to the dance part of their romance. Boone has no idea how to be in a relationship and Cora’s fresh from a long-term heartbreaking one. Adding to the drama, IESA isn’t done with the Keller brothers and Cora’s job is in jeopardy for her stand for the crew as the town takes sides.
Rating: 4stars
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews15 followers
January 21, 2018
This was such a heart moving story - discrimination, turning on neighbors, learning and accepting and most important love!

This was such a moving story could cross many moments in history discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, age, sexual l orientation to human to shifter....learning to accept one another. All have basic needs food, water, socialization and to be accepted and loved.. Pretty impressive for a quick romance paranormal story. Corey local news reporter that turns a difficult life n death situation into relatable and breath taking. She risk it all. Books the most shut down compartment alized of all brothers finally let's someone in. Violence 2 Sex 2

More opinions n reviews check out my blog: my2centsbookreviews.com Thanks!
Profile Image for Kim Richards.
1,338 reviews7 followers
December 27, 2018
Bloody Brilliant

This is the 3rd and final book in the Fire Bear Series. I have enjoyed all the books in this series.
Once again I was pulled right into the story, watching it play out in my head as a mini movie, all the while I was reading, right up until I read the last word written.
Surprises are rife throughout this story, some are big, some are small, some you will see coming and others you won't, but they all make the story the fantastic read it is.
The emotions that the characters go through, I went through along with them. I did get a bit frustrated with the main male character, but he redeemed himself.
I am loving these books by T.S. Joyce and highly recommend them to all shifter fans out there.
Profile Image for Ski Croghan.
609 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2018
What a terrific story !

What would happen if bear shifters came out to the human world ? If you want to know read this series. It tells it like it is; chaos, hate, admiration, fear and hostility, among so many other emotions. And what if it all happened on live television ending in a live turning of a dying woman into a grizzly bear shifter ? It would cause real upheaval in the world. Throw in a few unsavory government agents from an out-of-control government agency and you would have a truly volatile situation on your hands. And that's just the beginning ! Add one of the sweetest, most romantic books ever written. Don't miss this one folks. Highly recommended.





Profile Image for Raven61.
1,135 reviews8 followers
February 8, 2020
Another great PNR from T.S. Joyce!

Contains subject matter that may be offensive or a trigger for some including, adult language, steamy intimate scenes and violence.

While this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that this series be read in order for maximum enjoyment and to prevent spoilers from previous stories.

While story does contain an element of cheating, but not between the H/h. It does have a HEA, and while it doesn't contain an "insta-love", it does feature bonding.

If you like a strong, well-written PNR, then I highly recommend this story and series. It begins a few months after the ending of the second book in the Fire Near series.
Profile Image for PenelopeDawn.
243 reviews3 followers
February 21, 2022
how does she do it??

Every single thing that TS Joyce writes is simply perfection. The characters are just deep enough to make you feel like you can connect with each and every one of them. The plot line is just inventive enough to keep you reading through the night. The conflict is just enough to make you hate the villain but you’re also 100% sure the heroes will make it out just fine in the end. Idk how many times I can say I love these stories, but here I am - saying it again! I’ve laughed out loud. I’ve cried tears of sorrow and tears of joy. I clenched my jaw and rolled my eyes. And now I can’t wait to read the next one!
Profile Image for Becky A.
2,011 reviews
December 4, 2019
"Bear the Heat" received THREE stars.

The novel gained *stars* for these items:

* gained for: "The book caught my interest in first five pages."

* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."

* gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."

The novel failed to gain stars for these items:

NO STAR gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"

NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically buy anything s/he writes."

Profile Image for dominique massie.
14 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2019
Loved it.....

I absolutely loved this series. T.S. Joyce is one helluva writer. I enjoy each and every book she's written. I might have read some of them backwards, but the way the stories are interconnected still made it an awesome reading experience. I would recommend this book, these series to anyone who enjoys a steamy, passionate, well written, funny read. Good characters, good plot, good character development. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Courtney.
901 reviews43 followers
January 12, 2020
This was by far my favorite of the Fire Bears series. Cora was a great heroine, and the relationship building was more on par with the Saw Bears series, which I appreciate.

Honestly, this is really close to 4 stars for me, but it just doesn't have that extra oomph that the Saw Bears books seem to have. There just isn't enough of the cute romance stuff. This book was still well written, and I enjoyed it, but it just wasn't super awesome fantastic.
587 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2020
Bear the Heat: Fire Bears (3)

Yet another excellent read. Cora's a reporter, she'd been filming the shifter story from the first time it broke with the fire at the vets. Quinn was badly injured, they get her out, just, but Dade couldn't watch her die, he bit & turned her, in front of the town. Cora is responsible for reporting all the stories and is falling hard for her own bear, Boone. Excellent but last of Fire Bears. Gray Back Bears next up
Sue P
Profile Image for Jenica.
293 reviews
February 22, 2018
That ending

A rough relationship start that led to the best ending ever. The news piece of the book was all highlighted. It was beautiful. Also that epilogue was amazing too! Boone was such a moody bear. I enjoyed his story more than the other two. His mate Cora was strong and I loved her character. Now, I can read Damon’s book!!
Profile Image for K.O. Newman.
Author 44 books166 followers
October 21, 2019
A great conclusion

What a wonderful series. Seriously, I've loved each and every one of these books, but I think this one was my favorite. I love Cora and her strong and companionate personally, and Boone and his need for love despite being just a little bit broken. Don't read this one first, save the best for last.
42 reviews
February 8, 2020
Great wrap up to the series

Well the end of the series did not disappoint. The author did a great job by wrapping the series with a happily ever after and it was lovely to read. Would definitely recommend this series and this author as she is a great story teller. Will definitely be looking at her other series.
Profile Image for Angie7.
979 reviews6 followers
September 16, 2021
Why Not?

OMG! What a heartbreak; as the bears come out and try to convince the human population that they are good just like them; IESA attacks Booner and Cora and are left for dead. This read is still following T's OG reading order. It makes sense to as characters pop in and make sense of it as if you read them sraight in the series. Thank again for keeping it KU
Profile Image for Taylor.
237 reviews35 followers
June 2, 2022
Out of the Breck Crew this is my favorite couple!

I love how invested Cora is in protecting the shifters even before she fell for one. Because really she’s the kind of people the world needs more of!!

Boone had to be a dick to protect her for awhile. Which I love the drama that causes so I loved it😂😂
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