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Bears Fur Hire #1
Husband Fur Hire
Elyse Abram is desperate. On the wrong side of a relationship with a man who has lost his mind, she’s making big changes, starting with being utterly done with love. But life on her Alaskan homestead is too hard to handle alone, so she’s got a plan. Hire a husband. No romance, no emotions, just a marriage certificate that will tie an able-bodied man to her. But when a strapping giant of a man shows up on her doorstep and gives her all the right answers, leaving romance off the table might prove harder than she thought. Too bad the growl in her new helpmate’s throat and his careful way with explanations have her thinking she’s stepped into something much bigger than she bargained for.
Dominant grizzly shifter, Ian Silver, has a job to do. One of the local werewolves is on a violent bender, and as a shifter enforcer, Ian has an order to put him down. But when his mark begs him to check on the woman he hurt, Ian can’t help his curiosity. One meeting with Elyse and his shock nearly doubles him over. A husband for hire? Hell no. Forget his protective instincts and his inability to stay away from the beguiling woman. He would make a terrible mate and besides…what Elyse doesn’t know about him could kill her.
A full-length first book in T. S. Joyce’s brand new Bears Fur Hire series.
Content Warning: Explicit love scenes, naughty language, and piles of sexy shifter secrets. Intended for mature audiences.
Dominant grizzly shifter, Ian Silver, has a job to do. One of the local werewolves is on a violent bender, and as a shifter enforcer, Ian has an order to put him down. But when his mark begs him to check on the woman he hurt, Ian can’t help his curiosity. One meeting with Elyse and his shock nearly doubles him over. A husband for hire? Hell no. Forget his protective instincts and his inability to stay away from the beguiling woman. He would make a terrible mate and besides…what Elyse doesn’t know about him could kill her.
A full-length first book in T. S. Joyce’s brand new Bears Fur Hire series.
Content Warning: Explicit love scenes, naughty language, and piles of sexy shifter secrets. Intended for mature audiences.
239 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2015
1019 people are currently reading
955 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
October 24, 2016
4 Alaskan Grizzly Shifter Stars
So I'm about a week or so late in reviewing this.
And before I get started, I should probably just go ahead and call myself out by saying:
This "review" is going to suck.
HARD.
I have been feeling very, VERY lazy lately.
I think I did too much "socializing" last weekend.
And now my introvert ass is in recovery mode.
For realz though.
#TRUTH
Book reviewing has also seemed to fall under the category of "things that require too much effort for Val to tackle" this week.
I keep trying to unlock my "get up and go," but alas, I have been met with not so stellar results.
Anyway.
I felt like this series, especially book one, deserved at least a little somethin' somethin' so here we are.
I apologize beforehand. Like I said, the brain cylinders are not firing correctly at the moment.
This book:
1) Takes place in Alaska
This is one of my favorite settings to read about.
It's cold.
It's dark/light practically all the time depending on the time of year.
Towns can be super "off-grid."
And there is wildlife - LEGIT wildlife - EVERYWHERE.
Thus, I love reading about this place because:
a) It's so different from where I live.
b) I feel like this gives characters license to be super fucking weird for no other reason than ALASKA.
2) It's about shifters...grizzly shifters
If you follow my reviews at all, then you know that I LOVE shifter books.
They are my PNR kryptonite.
And this one was about Alaskan grizzly bear shifters.
Now, I have read books about bear shifters before, but this series just seemed to grab me more than others.
For one, you can tell the author really did their homework on Grizzly bears as there is a lot of cool information on them.
Also, the bear shifters in this book REALLY adhere to legit bear behavior.
For example, the main character in this book, Ian, is a bear shifter with two other brothers (they are triplets); however, the brothers can't spend that much time together as adults because their "bear sides" are just too dominant and they find it difficult to be around each other.
The main behavior this adheres to though?
HIBERNATION
Obviously, bears hibernate, and so does our main character here.
I can't recall others bear shifter romances (that I have read, anyway) mentioning the characters dealing with hibernation.
Thus, this made for a really interesting added element in this story that I think set it apart from other bear shifter romances.
I guess you could say it was different than your average bear shifter romance.
LOL, wow that was stupid.
Anybadjoke, I like the hibernation factor.
3) Arranged Marriage Scenario
After a hugely failed relationship and a broken heart, the main female character here, Elyse, decides she needs a practical, no nonsense relationship with someone who will help her out on her homestead.
Thus, she puts out an ad asking for a husband - thus the whole "husband fur hire" title. Ian unknowingly answers this...call and our story goes from there.
I really liked Elyse. She is an "off the grid" homesteader who works her ass off.
Now, I can't say that I "related" to her in THAT aspect, as the thought of living without Taco Bell, Netflix, and internet access makes me want to curl up in the fetal position.
But I related to her in the sense that she was a tough cookie who focused on the practicalities of life.
Anyway, I've said this before and I will say this again, me loves the arranged marriage trope and I always will.
So you add that, the setting, the bear shifter/hibernation element, the great writing, and the palpable connection between the H and the h?
And you have a happy Val.
So if you like all that shit too, you will probably like this book too.
Find this and other reviews at:
So I'm about a week or so late in reviewing this.
And before I get started, I should probably just go ahead and call myself out by saying:
This "review" is going to suck.
HARD.
I have been feeling very, VERY lazy lately.
I think I did too much "socializing" last weekend.
And now my introvert ass is in recovery mode.
For realz though.
#TRUTH
Book reviewing has also seemed to fall under the category of "things that require too much effort for Val to tackle" this week.
I keep trying to unlock my "get up and go," but alas, I have been met with not so stellar results.
Anyway.
I felt like this series, especially book one, deserved at least a little somethin' somethin' so here we are.
I apologize beforehand. Like I said, the brain cylinders are not firing correctly at the moment.
This book:
1) Takes place in Alaska
This is one of my favorite settings to read about.
It's cold.
It's dark/light practically all the time depending on the time of year.
Towns can be super "off-grid."
And there is wildlife - LEGIT wildlife - EVERYWHERE.
Thus, I love reading about this place because:
a) It's so different from where I live.
b) I feel like this gives characters license to be super fucking weird for no other reason than ALASKA.
2) It's about shifters...grizzly shifters
If you follow my reviews at all, then you know that I LOVE shifter books.
They are my PNR kryptonite.
And this one was about Alaskan grizzly bear shifters.
Now, I have read books about bear shifters before, but this series just seemed to grab me more than others.
For one, you can tell the author really did their homework on Grizzly bears as there is a lot of cool information on them.
Also, the bear shifters in this book REALLY adhere to legit bear behavior.
For example, the main character in this book, Ian, is a bear shifter with two other brothers (they are triplets); however, the brothers can't spend that much time together as adults because their "bear sides" are just too dominant and they find it difficult to be around each other.
The main behavior this adheres to though?
HIBERNATION
Obviously, bears hibernate, and so does our main character here.
I can't recall others bear shifter romances (that I have read, anyway) mentioning the characters dealing with hibernation.
Thus, this made for a really interesting added element in this story that I think set it apart from other bear shifter romances.
I guess you could say it was different than your average bear shifter romance.
LOL, wow that was stupid.
Anybadjoke, I like the hibernation factor.
3) Arranged Marriage Scenario
After a hugely failed relationship and a broken heart, the main female character here, Elyse, decides she needs a practical, no nonsense relationship with someone who will help her out on her homestead.
Thus, she puts out an ad asking for a husband - thus the whole "husband fur hire" title. Ian unknowingly answers this...call and our story goes from there.
I really liked Elyse. She is an "off the grid" homesteader who works her ass off.
Now, I can't say that I "related" to her in THAT aspect, as the thought of living without Taco Bell, Netflix, and internet access makes me want to curl up in the fetal position.
But I related to her in the sense that she was a tough cookie who focused on the practicalities of life.
Anyway, I've said this before and I will say this again, me loves the arranged marriage trope and I always will.
So you add that, the setting, the bear shifter/hibernation element, the great writing, and the palpable connection between the H and the h?
And you have a happy Val.
So if you like all that shit too, you will probably like this book too.
Find this and other reviews at:
November 2, 2015
~2.5 stars~
I am a huge fan of this writer, but this one just wasn’t for me. It was still an ok read, but nothing overly memorable. I did like the storyline for the most part, but certain aspects kept me from truly enjoying this read. First of all, I feel like the heroine got a really shitty deal in all this. Yes, she finds this sexy shifter who seems almost perfect but here is my deal breaker...........the hero hibernates 6 months out of the year. That just seems extreme to me. So the 6 months hes awake, is spent helping her prepare for winter, then he's out, and she's left to fend for herself for the next 6 months. Also, she mentioned she wanted children and the hero said no way, that he didn't want to pass on his monstrous traits. I guess this was the main reason I didn’t really click with this book. The heroine had to make tons of sacrifices to be with the hero and it didn’t seem like he really tried to make any compromises. Perhaps if they moved somewhere warmer during the Alaska winters his hibernation would be months less? Or adoption? It just seemed too final for me, and I felt pity for the heroine more than anything else.
I am a huge fan of this writer, but this one just wasn’t for me. It was still an ok read, but nothing overly memorable. I did like the storyline for the most part, but certain aspects kept me from truly enjoying this read. First of all, I feel like the heroine got a really shitty deal in all this. Yes, she finds this sexy shifter who seems almost perfect but here is my deal breaker...........the hero hibernates 6 months out of the year. That just seems extreme to me. So the 6 months hes awake, is spent helping her prepare for winter, then he's out, and she's left to fend for herself for the next 6 months. Also, she mentioned she wanted children and the hero said no way, that he didn't want to pass on his monstrous traits. I guess this was the main reason I didn’t really click with this book. The heroine had to make tons of sacrifices to be with the hero and it didn’t seem like he really tried to make any compromises. Perhaps if they moved somewhere warmer during the Alaska winters his hibernation would be months less? Or adoption? It just seemed too final for me, and I felt pity for the heroine more than anything else.
April 17, 2016
3.5 This book for me?
You know that feeling when you're not really in the mood to read anything yet you want to read something? Well, this book is perfect for that.
It's cute and fast-paced, the characters are really nice and there are fun moments that make you laugh or at least smile. The writing style is absolutely great, but I've read this author before and I've come to expect this from her.
Plus, I found a new element, and that's really something! It's so rare to find something new in a shifter book. Here, the shifter hibernates! Yup, for 6 months all he does is sleep. It's interesting and it's a read where the woman actually has to take care of the alfa male, not only the other way around.
You know that feeling when you're not really in the mood to read anything yet you want to read something? Well, this book is perfect for that.
It's cute and fast-paced, the characters are really nice and there are fun moments that make you laugh or at least smile. The writing style is absolutely great, but I've read this author before and I've come to expect this from her.
Plus, I found a new element, and that's really something! It's so rare to find something new in a shifter book. Here, the shifter hibernates! Yup, for 6 months all he does is sleep. It's interesting and it's a read where the woman actually has to take care of the alfa male, not only the other way around.
September 19, 2016
The absolute Best Bear Shifter story I've EVER read!
Seriously, I was about to give up on the Bear Shifter stories. Every one I've attempted to read has always been just beyond horrible, or too cheesy/fluffy for my taste. Or simply just not enough of anything to hold my attention.
This book has renewed my faith that there are authors out there talented enough to write a gripping pulse pounding, heart jumping and intriguing story. One that's sexy and romantic with an abundance of heart. And such realistic circumstances in a paranormal world.
This was just an awesome read all around. This author has a new fan in me and I certainly will be continuing on with this series.
I HIGHLY recommend this one people.
Happy Reading :)
Seriously, I was about to give up on the Bear Shifter stories. Every one I've attempted to read has always been just beyond horrible, or too cheesy/fluffy for my taste. Or simply just not enough of anything to hold my attention.
This book has renewed my faith that there are authors out there talented enough to write a gripping pulse pounding, heart jumping and intriguing story. One that's sexy and romantic with an abundance of heart. And such realistic circumstances in a paranormal world.
This was just an awesome read all around. This author has a new fan in me and I certainly will be continuing on with this series.
I HIGHLY recommend this one people.
Happy Reading :)
October 17, 2016
Sweet. A story of surviving on a homestead in the Alaskan wilderness. I liked it, especially because of how sweet Ian is, but living on the frontier kind of books are not my thing.
March 2, 2018
UPDATE
Reread this for book club and knowing what was coming made it a little less over-the-top for me and thus slightly less enjoyable, but, still, just a wonderfully, fun example of this genre!
ORIGINAL REVIEW
This has everything I like about a good ridiculously titled book. Over-the-top heart-string-tugging hard-knock tales (double check), characters that manage to be more than just a collection of sad backstory plot points (double check), and, of course, a horrifically punny title (ALL THE CHECKS)
Reread this for book club and knowing what was coming made it a little less over-the-top for me and thus slightly less enjoyable, but, still, just a wonderfully, fun example of this genre!
ORIGINAL REVIEW
This has everything I like about a good ridiculously titled book. Over-the-top heart-string-tugging hard-knock tales (double check), characters that manage to be more than just a collection of sad backstory plot points (double check), and, of course, a horrifically punny title (ALL THE CHECKS)
September 19, 2016
-Different setup for bear shifters (genuine hibernation by the hero isn’t something that I expected) was the distinguishing feature of this book. I really enjoyed that it went to the extreme making the hero so like an actual bear that it affected his body, his family relationships, every aspect of his life. It was unusual and stands out from my usual shifter reads.
-Felt as if it were taking place in 1816, not 2016 though, especially when it comes to communication. Then again, I’ve had a fascination with those Alaska shows, and I get that there’s folks who really live off the grid, so it was interesting in that respect. It’s a lifestyle that is completely different from my reality but that’s part of the escapist fantasy that works.
-Ian and Elyse have good chemistry and their relationship, though the husband or wife for hire trope has been done before, and there’s a touch of insta-love to it all, it still works because the day to day life was engrossing and seeing them start to connect, even with all those secrets surrounding them.
-Elyse is much stronger than she gives herself credit for, and her journey is effective. She seems pretty broken and stretched to the end of her rope, and I liked that by the end of it all, she’s a heroine who can save herself and those she loves.
-However, the villain was pretty cardboard cutout and I’m still confused by the Linc character and how he factors in. Which leads me to...
-Needed some editing to tighten up the plot, there are plot holes and randomness happening, especially towards the end.
-Also, the book title isn’t the greatest.
It’s my first T.S. Joyce book and overall, I think it’s a very original take on the usual shifter romance. I’m intrigued enough to seek out more by this author. If you’re into bear shifters and Alaska, you may enjoy this.
For more reviews, visit
October 22, 2016
3-3.5 stars
**Fair warning - I let a spoiler out...mainly having to do with Ian being a bear-shifter and the unusual way that affects the MC's HEA**
This was a good story overall. I liked both Elyse and Ian and their story was enjoyable. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I would consider trying more of her work in the future.
Elyse is a woman that owns a homestead in Alaska that she's trying to make a living off of. This wouldn't be so difficult if she hadn't gotten involved with her ex, Cole. Cole was a leach who took all her money and food and left her with nothing. She kicked him out when he made the mistake of hitting her but by that time, Cole had already pretty much drained her dry.
Ian is a bear shifter that hibernates half the year and works as a pilot around Alaska the rest of the time. Ian also works as a shifter enforcer that takes down other shifters that have gone off the deep end and kill humans and/or threaten to expose the shifter secret to the public. Ian has 2 brothers but they haven't been in touch much since they matured because their bears can't stand each other.
After Elyse kicked Cole out, she didn't have hardly any reserves and even with working her butt off, Elyse was having issues stocking up enough meat and supplies for the winter season that is approaching in a few months. Many years ago, her Uncle (who she inherited the homestead from) had placed an ad in the paper for a companion/helper. He ended up with a woman that became like a mother to Elyse and the pairing worked out well. Elyse decided to try something like that and put an ad in the paper for her own husband. She doesn't have much luck with finding a decent prospect though. Ian had to take Cole down because he went mad and started killing humans. Months later, Ian went to Elyse's cabin to deliver a message but when he meets her, he finds he can't leave without trying to help her.
Ian ends up acting as though he is looking to answer Elyse's ad and it's a rough start but they decide to give it a try and get married if things go well through the winter. Ian is great about teaching Elyse the things she needs to know and doesn't yet (like how to trap and shoot better) and he helps her stock up her reserves, determined to make sure that she'll be provided for over the winter. The thing he doesn't tell her at first (and I wondered how they were going to get around it) is the fact that in this mythos, bear shifters hibernate through the winter so Elyse would be stuck spending the winter by herself...how could Ian explain that? Eventually, Elyse learns the whole truth (including that Ian is a shifter) and she's able to accept Ian but neither of them are thrilled with the winters she'll have to spend on her own. There's also some trouble with Cole's brother who is also rather whacked in the head and needs to be handled. In the end, Elyse and Ian work things out and have their HEA together.
This was an enjoyably story. I liked Ian and Elyse but I have to admit that the whole story I was thinking that the HEA wouldn't be completely happy because the couple will only ever get to spend 6 month together out of every year. It worked out for the most part but it's not you typical HEA to be sure. I also had some trouble keeping engaged in the story but this might have been partially because I wasn't sure what to expect out of the ending and was a bit reluctant to find out. Overall, it was a good story but I wasn't majorly thrilled with a HEA that includes long separations between the MCs.
**Fair warning - I let a spoiler out...mainly having to do with Ian being a bear-shifter and the unusual way that affects the MC's HEA**
This was a good story overall. I liked both Elyse and Ian and their story was enjoyable. This is the first story I've read by this author and I liked it well enough that I would consider trying more of her work in the future.
Elyse is a woman that owns a homestead in Alaska that she's trying to make a living off of. This wouldn't be so difficult if she hadn't gotten involved with her ex, Cole. Cole was a leach who took all her money and food and left her with nothing. She kicked him out when he made the mistake of hitting her but by that time, Cole had already pretty much drained her dry.
Ian is a bear shifter that hibernates half the year and works as a pilot around Alaska the rest of the time. Ian also works as a shifter enforcer that takes down other shifters that have gone off the deep end and kill humans and/or threaten to expose the shifter secret to the public. Ian has 2 brothers but they haven't been in touch much since they matured because their bears can't stand each other.
After Elyse kicked Cole out, she didn't have hardly any reserves and even with working her butt off, Elyse was having issues stocking up enough meat and supplies for the winter season that is approaching in a few months. Many years ago, her Uncle (who she inherited the homestead from) had placed an ad in the paper for a companion/helper. He ended up with a woman that became like a mother to Elyse and the pairing worked out well. Elyse decided to try something like that and put an ad in the paper for her own husband. She doesn't have much luck with finding a decent prospect though. Ian had to take Cole down because he went mad and started killing humans. Months later, Ian went to Elyse's cabin to deliver a message but when he meets her, he finds he can't leave without trying to help her.
Ian ends up acting as though he is looking to answer Elyse's ad and it's a rough start but they decide to give it a try and get married if things go well through the winter. Ian is great about teaching Elyse the things she needs to know and doesn't yet (like how to trap and shoot better) and he helps her stock up her reserves, determined to make sure that she'll be provided for over the winter. The thing he doesn't tell her at first (and I wondered how they were going to get around it) is the fact that in this mythos, bear shifters hibernate through the winter so Elyse would be stuck spending the winter by herself...how could Ian explain that? Eventually, Elyse learns the whole truth (including that Ian is a shifter) and she's able to accept Ian but neither of them are thrilled with the winters she'll have to spend on her own. There's also some trouble with Cole's brother who is also rather whacked in the head and needs to be handled. In the end, Elyse and Ian work things out and have their HEA together.
This was an enjoyably story. I liked Ian and Elyse but I have to admit that the whole story I was thinking that the HEA wouldn't be completely happy because the couple will only ever get to spend 6 month together out of every year. It worked out for the most part but it's not you typical HEA to be sure. I also had some trouble keeping engaged in the story but this might have been partially because I wasn't sure what to expect out of the ending and was a bit reluctant to find out. Overall, it was a good story but I wasn't majorly thrilled with a HEA that includes long separations between the MCs.
September 15, 2021
5 Shifter Stars
Husband for Hire Good Alaskan man wanted. Must have strong back. Hunter preferable and bonus points for good marksmanship. Must not be prone to cabin fever and must be self-entertaining. Works well under stress for long hours. Good hygiene. Romantics need not apply.
This was a freebie I picked up somewhere, (also free w/ KU) and a pleasant surprise. The full moon always makes me crave para-romance, and I was in the mood for something unique… so, I decided to give this MOC/mail-order groom Alaskan-bear shifter romance a shot. I've read several of this author’s shifter romances, and found them hit or miss, but this one was a hit for me.
First, the “shifter concept” was fairly unique, and quite informative. I spend most of my tv time watching either crime or animal shows, so I loved all the homestead/bear tidbits sprinkled throughout. I also loved the concept of the man/bear hibernating for 6-mths of the year, and found the solitary lifestyle of the bear making the human man lonely… super interesting.
I liked both the mc’s. Elyse is fighting to live on her homestead, and she’s tough, but not confrontational or negative. I feel like authors struggle with this a lot, and in their attempts to make h’s “feisty” they make them hostile and unlikeable. Elyse is a survivor; she’s hard working, but not jaded or closed off to love. Ian is a grizzly shifter enforcer, which means it’s his job to police/punish, but mostly eliminate unruly shifters… which is a total bummer, and on top of that he’s alone, and lonely. He sees a picture of Elyse, and his bear immediately stirs, but he comes with complications.
The relationship is a slow burn, but the respect/attraction is immediate. It felt natural, and very realistic which was different for a shifter book, but I dug it. It’s sweet, and the mutual support, and respect was pretty awesome.
“I can’t in good conscious marry you without you seeing what kind of man I am for one full winter. I can’t explain to you why, but I don’t feel right tethering you to me legally until you know all of what you’re in for. But I can give you this.” He held up the ring, and the sunlight glinted off it like newly washed miner’s gold. “I’ve never asked a woman to marry me, never even considered it, and this is the first and last ring I’ll ever buy. This ties me to you and to this place as well as any marriage license would. I’ll be your man, Elyse Abram. I’ll make sure you don’t go hungry and that you are safe. As long as I’m alive.” The last part he said in a quieter voice as the heat cooled from his eyes. “Wear my ring, and it’ll make me a part of this place. This is the only vow I can give you right now. It’s my final offer.”
Bottom Line- I really liked this one; I especially liked that Elyse was empowered, and a true equal in the relationship… BUT… it’s not the typical action packed, growly alpha bossing his woman around, so if that’s what you’re in the mood for… then, this isn’t the right book… BUT… if your in the mood for a sweet, slow-burn with a kickass h that protects her mate as much as he protects her…then, give this a shot.
Husband for Hire Good Alaskan man wanted. Must have strong back. Hunter preferable and bonus points for good marksmanship. Must not be prone to cabin fever and must be self-entertaining. Works well under stress for long hours. Good hygiene. Romantics need not apply.
This was a freebie I picked up somewhere, (also free w/ KU) and a pleasant surprise. The full moon always makes me crave para-romance, and I was in the mood for something unique… so, I decided to give this MOC/mail-order groom Alaskan-bear shifter romance a shot. I've read several of this author’s shifter romances, and found them hit or miss, but this one was a hit for me.
First, the “shifter concept” was fairly unique, and quite informative. I spend most of my tv time watching either crime or animal shows, so I loved all the homestead/bear tidbits sprinkled throughout. I also loved the concept of the man/bear hibernating for 6-mths of the year, and found the solitary lifestyle of the bear making the human man lonely… super interesting.
I liked both the mc’s. Elyse is fighting to live on her homestead, and she’s tough, but not confrontational or negative. I feel like authors struggle with this a lot, and in their attempts to make h’s “feisty” they make them hostile and unlikeable. Elyse is a survivor; she’s hard working, but not jaded or closed off to love. Ian is a grizzly shifter enforcer, which means it’s his job to police/punish, but mostly eliminate unruly shifters… which is a total bummer, and on top of that he’s alone, and lonely. He sees a picture of Elyse, and his bear immediately stirs, but he comes with complications.
The relationship is a slow burn, but the respect/attraction is immediate. It felt natural, and very realistic which was different for a shifter book, but I dug it. It’s sweet, and the mutual support, and respect was pretty awesome.
“I can’t in good conscious marry you without you seeing what kind of man I am for one full winter. I can’t explain to you why, but I don’t feel right tethering you to me legally until you know all of what you’re in for. But I can give you this.” He held up the ring, and the sunlight glinted off it like newly washed miner’s gold. “I’ve never asked a woman to marry me, never even considered it, and this is the first and last ring I’ll ever buy. This ties me to you and to this place as well as any marriage license would. I’ll be your man, Elyse Abram. I’ll make sure you don’t go hungry and that you are safe. As long as I’m alive.” The last part he said in a quieter voice as the heat cooled from his eyes. “Wear my ring, and it’ll make me a part of this place. This is the only vow I can give you right now. It’s my final offer.”
Bottom Line- I really liked this one; I especially liked that Elyse was empowered, and a true equal in the relationship… BUT… it’s not the typical action packed, growly alpha bossing his woman around, so if that’s what you’re in the mood for… then, this isn’t the right book… BUT… if your in the mood for a sweet, slow-burn with a kickass h that protects her mate as much as he protects her…then, give this a shot.
February 15, 2017
3/5 stars
Well, this is the second book in this series that I have read, and my biggest complaint with the book previously read was that there wasn't enough angst. I can definitely confirm that this book had enough angst for the both of them, with legitimately insane (no, that was not figure of speech. He truely took a dive off the deep end) ex-boyfriends, angsty romance and so many tears, I don't think there is a better word to describe this book than angst.
I didn't like this book quite as much as the second book in the 'bear fur hire' series but it was still an enjoyable instalment. I don't think I'll be following on with the other books in this series just because the other characters the books feature don't call to me as much, but I think I'll be picking up one of T.S Joyce's other shifter books.
"Being with someone and still feeling completely alone was the worst feeling in the world."
Well, this is the second book in this series that I have read, and my biggest complaint with the book previously read was that there wasn't enough angst. I can definitely confirm that this book had enough angst for the both of them, with legitimately insane (no, that was not figure of speech. He truely took a dive off the deep end) ex-boyfriends, angsty romance and so many tears, I don't think there is a better word to describe this book than angst.
I didn't like this book quite as much as the second book in the 'bear fur hire' series but it was still an enjoyable instalment. I don't think I'll be following on with the other books in this series just because the other characters the books feature don't call to me as much, but I think I'll be picking up one of T.S Joyce's other shifter books.
November 19, 2015
I had a hard time choosing a rating for this book. It was a shifter romance that had a slightly different take while still staying within a "normal " shifter storyline. The hero was a grizzly bear shifter and had to hibernate for six months. This was both a plus and a minus to the story. Plus because it was a logical outcome of bear shifter dynamics and I've never read this concept before so yeah! But on the other hand wow that sucks for a long term romance. As for the rest of the story, it was well written and had sufficient character background plus character development in through the story. The plot was logical and made sense. There was a error in the technicalities of the haying scene. But I overlooked that. I did think that not enough thought was put into how difficult it is to keep livestock in Alaska. It's not just crazy werewolves you have to watch out for opportunistic bears who, as I understand it, decimate henhouses etc., on a regular basis. But since this book was about shifters not homesteaders, it didn't take too much away from my enjoyment of the story.
November 19, 2015
I didn't expect this much...
I like that TS has stretched in this series. When I usually read shifter romance, it's all slam, bam, I'm a bear, let's have torrid sex, thank you ma'am! But this story had grit, sub plots and extremely deep character buildout! Thanks!! Usually in books I'm always coming away with a book BF, but I totally have a girl-crush on WarriorBadass Elyse! She did a full 360 and for the right reasons, she went from a weak and broken tiny bird to raging, strong warrior princess. I am about to read book two in this series right now.
I like that TS has stretched in this series. When I usually read shifter romance, it's all slam, bam, I'm a bear, let's have torrid sex, thank you ma'am! But this story had grit, sub plots and extremely deep character buildout! Thanks!! Usually in books I'm always coming away with a book BF, but I totally have a girl-crush on WarriorBadass Elyse! She did a full 360 and for the right reasons, she went from a weak and broken tiny bird to raging, strong warrior princess. I am about to read book two in this series right now.
September 16, 2016
2.5 stars
There was nothing particularly offensive or irritating about this book but it didn't really make an impact. (And I didn't really understand the whole "6 month forced hibernation" thing, but whatever)
There was nothing particularly offensive or irritating about this book but it didn't really make an impact. (And I didn't really understand the whole "6 month forced hibernation" thing, but whatever)
September 29, 2016
I liked this alot. Interestingly different approach to shifters.
April 25, 2023
Elyse was waiting for a sturdy man to answer her ad for a husband to help on her Alaskan homestead after she kicked out her good for nothing boyfriend Cole, what she wasn't expecting was the gorgeous hunk that showed up at her door. Well how could she turn him down, even though he said he wasn't interested in getting married, she would convince him somehow.
Ian Silver an Alaskan Brown Bear never expected the pull he felt when he came face to face with the woman whose boyfriend he'd just killed. Cole was a very disturbed werewolf who had killed a homesteader and a little girl. So, Ian as a bear Enforcer was ordered to put the wolf down. He was just there to deliver a note Cole had asked him to give her before he died, but he was pulled to her and could not turn down her offer.
So began her training to prepare for the cold winter months when Ian's bear would go into hibernation and a budding love would be born. Would Elyse run for the mountains as the winter months arrived and he had to tell her what he was, or would she embrace him bear and all.
Lots of love, bravery and intrigue. I cried, laughed and jumped for joy, couldn't put it down if I tried.
Another great one Ms. Joyce! On to the next.
Ian Silver an Alaskan Brown Bear never expected the pull he felt when he came face to face with the woman whose boyfriend he'd just killed. Cole was a very disturbed werewolf who had killed a homesteader and a little girl. So, Ian as a bear Enforcer was ordered to put the wolf down. He was just there to deliver a note Cole had asked him to give her before he died, but he was pulled to her and could not turn down her offer.
So began her training to prepare for the cold winter months when Ian's bear would go into hibernation and a budding love would be born. Would Elyse run for the mountains as the winter months arrived and he had to tell her what he was, or would she embrace him bear and all.
Lots of love, bravery and intrigue. I cried, laughed and jumped for joy, couldn't put it down if I tried.
Another great one Ms. Joyce! On to the next.
October 27, 2015
A very good start to this new series.
The book begins at a rural Alaskan homestead where Elyse Abram has kicked out her crazy, thieving, drunken, woman-hitting mooch of a boyfriend...
Bear-shifter Ian Silver awakens from his winter hibernation to find a folder with details about a wolf-shifter that's gone insane and must be put down...
When Elyse and Ian meet, quite a story ensues.
The only reason I didn't rate this book at 5 stars was I would have liked to see some expansion of the aftermath of the 'final attack' and the winter that followed. I wouldn't say the ending was exactly rushed, but it could have been so much better with an extra chapter or two covering that. I felt vaguely unsatisfied because of that, and the book up that point was well-detailed.
I recommend this one to anyone that likes their shifter books with action, because this author does this better than most. There are several men in this story that could 'star' in subsequent books.
The book begins at a rural Alaskan homestead where Elyse Abram has kicked out her crazy, thieving, drunken, woman-hitting mooch of a boyfriend...
Bear-shifter Ian Silver awakens from his winter hibernation to find a folder with details about a wolf-shifter that's gone insane and must be put down...
When Elyse and Ian meet, quite a story ensues.
The only reason I didn't rate this book at 5 stars was I would have liked to see some expansion of the aftermath of the 'final attack' and the winter that followed. I wouldn't say the ending was exactly rushed, but it could have been so much better with an extra chapter or two covering that. I felt vaguely unsatisfied because of that, and the book up that point was well-detailed.
I recommend this one to anyone that likes their shifter books with action, because this author does this better than most. There are several men in this story that could 'star' in subsequent books.
January 16, 2022
Great angsty story with grizzly shifter H. He's a triplet and uncomfortable being estranged from his brothers. He falls for the human h when he sees her picture but hides his true self from her. A lot of courage and pain before they find a way to be together. Wonderful read.
November 6, 2015
So the grizzly shifter has to hibernate for months at a time. I don't like the idea of a hero who has to leave the heroine alone for almost half a year.
June 29, 2024
Super cute homesteading Alaska book with an FMC with a strong backbone. The characters were really cute and I love how the homesteading felt realistic
May 11, 2016
Originally posted on Books & Bottles.
Oh goodness, I'm still laughing at this book. And the other reviews on Goodreads! I don't mean to sound like a bitch, but I love how many people like how much more "realistic" it is to have the bear shifter hibernate, like a regular ol' bear, and it's so funny to me! I'm sorry I'm sorry, I'm an ass, but this book is just gruff and fluff and fucking hilarious to read serious reviews about this.
Don't get me wrong, it's pretty well written! Ian's a big, strong, Alaskan male who believes he'll never settle down and Elyse is an independent woman who decides to hire a husband to help keep her farm alive (because her last boyfriend was a dick and stole all her winter food, leaving her high and dry). Ian has a bit of insta-love, but he ends up becoming her husband and they fall in love and *happy ending.* I like how the two of them come to know and love each other, and the writing was smooth and easy to read. I was certain I'd have more to mock, but I don't - it was a quick and easy read, and it wasn't bad.
It's the concept that sends me into a fit of laughter.
But if you're into the big Alpha Bear romance, it looks like Joyce has a loooooong series that you can enjoy week after week. I probably won't be reading further, but this one was cute and I promise it's not as hilarious as I've been making it out to be. Give it a shot (just don't shoot the bear!).
Oh goodness, I'm still laughing at this book. And the other reviews on Goodreads! I don't mean to sound like a bitch, but I love how many people like how much more "realistic" it is to have the bear shifter hibernate, like a regular ol' bear, and it's so funny to me! I'm sorry I'm sorry, I'm an ass, but this book is just gruff and fluff and fucking hilarious to read serious reviews about this.
Don't get me wrong, it's pretty well written! Ian's a big, strong, Alaskan male who believes he'll never settle down and Elyse is an independent woman who decides to hire a husband to help keep her farm alive (because her last boyfriend was a dick and stole all her winter food, leaving her high and dry). Ian has a bit of insta-love, but he ends up becoming her husband and they fall in love and *happy ending.* I like how the two of them come to know and love each other, and the writing was smooth and easy to read. I was certain I'd have more to mock, but I don't - it was a quick and easy read, and it wasn't bad.
It's the concept that sends me into a fit of laughter.
But if you're into the big Alpha Bear romance, it looks like Joyce has a loooooong series that you can enjoy week after week. I probably won't be reading further, but this one was cute and I promise it's not as hilarious as I've been making it out to be. Give it a shot (just don't shoot the bear!).
September 13, 2019
This was so sweet and lovely !
Elyse was so kindhearted and sweet, but strong underneath. Nice combo👏
Ian was big, quiet, but you felt how deeply he cared.
A very good book. Flowy writing, interesting, but a slightly mundane plot and lots of personal development for both characters.
I really like it.
Read: 07-12/2018
Genre: Paranormal/ shifter/ bear
Cover: 2 stars
1st rating: 3,5 stars. A nice solid read, but not “epic “. It was sweet. (But very close to 4 stars- that’s way I rounded up!)
Will I recommend: Yes
Elyse was so kindhearted and sweet, but strong underneath. Nice combo👏
Ian was big, quiet, but you felt how deeply he cared.
A very good book. Flowy writing, interesting, but a slightly mundane plot and lots of personal development for both characters.
I really like it.
Read: 07-12/2018
Genre: Paranormal/ shifter/ bear
Cover: 2 stars
1st rating: 3,5 stars. A nice solid read, but not “epic “. It was sweet. (But very close to 4 stars- that’s way I rounded up!)
Will I recommend: Yes
December 4, 2015
4 stars!
I really enjoyed this start to Joyce's new series! You really can't go wrong with T.S. Joyce if you want some short, but great, paranormal. This one was located in rural Alaska, a setting that was a little rougher, more base living, compared to her other novels (I haven't read all of them). The environment made the story even more interesting and added another element to the couple's relationship.
Great read!
I really enjoyed this start to Joyce's new series! You really can't go wrong with T.S. Joyce if you want some short, but great, paranormal. This one was located in rural Alaska, a setting that was a little rougher, more base living, compared to her other novels (I haven't read all of them). The environment made the story even more interesting and added another element to the couple's relationship.
Great read!
July 20, 2020
3.5 Stars
October 8, 2018
I’ve been in the mood for paranormal romances lately and came across this book. It’s the first book I’ve read by this author, and although the title is a little quirky, I actually enjoyed the story.
Ian is a grizzly bear shifter. I haven’t read a lot of shifter books involving bears, however I don’t recall ever reading one where the bear had to hibernate - and for six long months at that. No wonder the man was so lonely. He was a badass bear enforcer who wasn’t close to anyone, not even his brothers. He basically spent his six months awake working and eating to survive through the six months he had to sleep.
From the moment Ian laid eyes on Elyse, his bear recognized her as his mate. He tried to stay away, but was drawn to Elyse in a way he couldn’t fight. The more time they spent together, the harder they fell for each other. Elyse was a strong woman, especially to have endured all that she did. She constantly surprised Ian and the two together were just so sweet. They both were in need of someone and together they just fit.
Ian is a grizzly bear shifter. I haven’t read a lot of shifter books involving bears, however I don’t recall ever reading one where the bear had to hibernate - and for six long months at that. No wonder the man was so lonely. He was a badass bear enforcer who wasn’t close to anyone, not even his brothers. He basically spent his six months awake working and eating to survive through the six months he had to sleep.
From the moment Ian laid eyes on Elyse, his bear recognized her as his mate. He tried to stay away, but was drawn to Elyse in a way he couldn’t fight. The more time they spent together, the harder they fell for each other. Elyse was a strong woman, especially to have endured all that she did. She constantly surprised Ian and the two together were just so sweet. They both were in need of someone and together they just fit.
May 25, 2019
I liked this one but man...all I could think was what a hard life it would be living how they did in Alaska. I'm not sure that I would want my whole live to be about squirreling away enough supplies to live through the cold winter, let alone deal with an outhouse on a daily basis. lol
Elyse was interesting, a bit of a hard ass, but she needed to be. I was glad when she kicked Colt out, it had been a long time coming and with his actions he was slowly killing her. Ian was a much better match for Elyse, even with his secrets. I thought Elyse did well when she learned about Ian's secrets and how his condition of the marriage made much more sense.
The ending to this one made me smile, loved that Elyse and Ian found their version of happy.
Elyse was interesting, a bit of a hard ass, but she needed to be. I was glad when she kicked Colt out, it had been a long time coming and with his actions he was slowly killing her. Ian was a much better match for Elyse, even with his secrets. I thought Elyse did well when she learned about Ian's secrets and how his condition of the marriage made much more sense.
The ending to this one made me smile, loved that Elyse and Ian found their version of happy.
May 12, 2019
This is an author that never disappoints, hard choices, heart break and tough circumstances are a wonderful background to a story that tugs at the heart strings.
I can’t put A T.S. Joyce book down once I’ve started it no matter how late or how much my eyes droop and I’m trying to read with one eye while the other one sleeps, I just must know the outcome. Honestly I can’t recommend these books enough.
I can’t put A T.S. Joyce book down once I’ve started it no matter how late or how much my eyes droop and I’m trying to read with one eye while the other one sleeps, I just must know the outcome. Honestly I can’t recommend these books enough.
August 1, 2018
4 Stars
This was a cute Bear Shifter book. We have a strong woman who is trying to make it in the Alaska bush and not fairing to well. She puts an ad in the paper for a homestead husband but isn't looking for romance. Ian is a bear shifter, who hibernates for 6 months out of the year, but one look at a picture of this feisty women and he's done for.
Like I said, it was a cute story, well-developed character, with an interesting storyline that keeps you reading and engaged. Some editing issues, but not so much that it distracted from the story.
This was a cute Bear Shifter book. We have a strong woman who is trying to make it in the Alaska bush and not fairing to well. She puts an ad in the paper for a homestead husband but isn't looking for romance. Ian is a bear shifter, who hibernates for 6 months out of the year, but one look at a picture of this feisty women and he's done for.
Like I said, it was a cute story, well-developed character, with an interesting storyline that keeps you reading and engaged. Some editing issues, but not so much that it distracted from the story.
October 23, 2018
This series is very different from Damon's Mountains. The canon follows a different vein because these grizzly shifters have to hibernate.
Not as light-hearted as her other books, but still very familiar.
Nice read.
Not as light-hearted as her other books, but still very familiar.
Nice read.
January 16, 2019
That was surprisingly quite enjoyable. A shifter story where the bear actually does hibernate. It showed what a good relationship looks like, and how a relationship should make both people better and stronger.
May 26, 2024
The care taking was AMAZING. But willingly roughing it out for the dream of Alaska wilderness homestead is a lil crazy
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