My Lumberjack Werebear Book Review - No Spoilers
Plot Summary
I picked up Lumberjack Werebear by T.S. Joyce when I wanted a quick, no-nonsense paranormal romance with some bite. This is the first book in the Saw Bears series, and it hooked me from chapter one. The story follows Brooke Belle, an artist still reeling from trauma and desperate for a spark of inspiration. Her mentor sends her to what’s supposed to be a peaceful cabin retreat in Damon's Mountains—but instead of zen and quiet, Brooke finds herself stuck in a rundown mobile home in a park full of big, burly lumberjack bear shifters.
Tagan James, the bear shifter beta in charge of wrangling the Ashe crew, is overwhelmed enough without some vulnerable human stirring up old instincts. At first, he wants Brooke gone, but something about her keeps him close. As their chemistry builds, Tagan wrestles with pack politics, his own rules about fate, and a deepening need to protect Brooke as rival werebears begin circling. It’s a story about second chances and healing, with plenty of action, humor, and steamy moments among the sawdust and trees.
Why I Love This Book
I love how this book goes straight for the tropes I crave—fated mates, grumpy shifter hero, and an outsider heroine finding her place. The pace is fast and the world is surprisingly vivid for such a short read. The banter between Tagan and Brooke feels genuine, and their connection is both fierce and sweet. Brooke’s journey is more than just a romance; it’s about reclaiming her strength after loss, and I found that relatable and real.
Tagan is the kind of hero I like: protective, rough around the edges, but not above showing vulnerability. The setting—bear shifters living out in the woods, constantly on edge—adds layers of suspense but also allows for lighter, playful scenes. The side characters are wild, and I wanted to know more about every single one. What really works is how the story never loses its sense of fun; even when the plot gets unexpectedly dark, it never stops being a romance at heart.
Who Will Like This Book
If you want a fast, spicy shifter romance you can finish in one swoop, Lumberjack Werebear is for you. You’ll enjoy it if you love fated mates, protective heroes, bear shifter lore, and underdog heroines with grit. The book is light on world-building and heavy on steam, so if you prefer complex plots, this may feel breezy—but that’s exactly why I enjoyed it. If you’re looking for a high-heat, fast-paced read and don’t mind a little wildness or some unexpected darkness in the final act, you’ll have fun.
⚠️ Trigger warning: Contains explicit sexual content, some aggressive dominance themes, and a subplot around trauma recovery. The drama ramps up near the end, so check content warnings if you’re concerned about darker turns.
Tagged As
paranormal romance, bear shifter, fated mates, grumpy hero, wounded heroine, small town, forced proximity, lumberjacks, fast read, explicit romance, open-door, found family, series, kindle unlimited, indie romance, steamy shifter, humor, pack politics
Steam Level
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️Explicit
