What do you think?
Rate this book
Oath of Bane #1
How It's Supposed to Be
Auxor Bane has made a pact. He and his brothers made a promise to each other that they would let their bear shifter lineage die off with them, for the betterment of mankind. They aren’t fluffy, and they aren’t cute. As one of the three remaining bear shifters alive, Aux struggles daily with the predator inside of him. His life is simple and manageable so long as he never breaks the rules enforced by his brothers. Rule number one: Never touch a human’s skin. Rule number two: never fall for one of the fragile creatures. Rule number three: never, ever let a human know what he is. But when he stumbles upon a car wreck in the remote Montana mountains, during the biggest snow storm of the year, he can’t just leave the stranded human to die. And in a series of unfortunate events that follows, he also can’t let her out of his sight if he wants to survive her.
Gwen Smithers had a plan. A great plan. A plan that will get her out of the stagnancy of her life and onto an adventure. This week was going to change her life, but in a split second on an icy road, all of her plans were derailed. Her rescuer is growly, and ill-mannered, and won’t show his face. And his eyes are such a strange color. But as she struggles to trust the mysterious mountain man, he’s revealing a strange and dangerous culture she never would’ve imagined existing. For the life of her, she can’t conjure up fear of Aux. Her human instincts must be broken, because it’s becoming clearer and clearer…Aux isn’t the man she thought he was. In fact, he isn’t a man at all. And the more she tries to understand him, the more she wants to break the oath he has made.
Don’t miss this first novella in T. S. Joyce’s exciting brand-new Oath of Bane series.
Gwen Smithers had a plan. A great plan. A plan that will get her out of the stagnancy of her life and onto an adventure. This week was going to change her life, but in a split second on an icy road, all of her plans were derailed. Her rescuer is growly, and ill-mannered, and won’t show his face. And his eyes are such a strange color. But as she struggles to trust the mysterious mountain man, he’s revealing a strange and dangerous culture she never would’ve imagined existing. For the life of her, she can’t conjure up fear of Aux. Her human instincts must be broken, because it’s becoming clearer and clearer…Aux isn’t the man she thought he was. In fact, he isn’t a man at all. And the more she tries to understand him, the more she wants to break the oath he has made.
Don’t miss this first novella in T. S. Joyce’s exciting brand-new Oath of Bane series.
98 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2021
818 people are currently reading
747 people want to read
About the author
T.S. Joyce
157 books3,437 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
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
Read
April 15, 2021I got a few chapters in but you totally lost me when the heroine introduces the hero to her HAIRDRYER after being in a car accident.
Like.... no. It’s not a cute look sis.
Like.... no. It’s not a cute look sis.
March 13, 2021
Awww! I loved this!
April 10, 2023
Pdf formatında 60 sayfalık bir kitaba göre gayet iyiydi💫
March 19, 2021
I feel like this is the book to read when you are having a bad day. With all that happened to Gwen she should have been more bitter, instead she saw the good in everything, which is saying a lot due to how her trip starts out. Aux is so grumpy that I couldn't help but to laugh at him. You could tell he wanted more because given any chance at all with Gwen he took it. From letting her pet the chickens, to saving the runt pig, to giving her a chainsaw. He did anything that would make Gwen happy. I wish that we knew more about his backstory and the pact he made with his brothers. Maybe it would have made the fight with Brick not seem to brutal. I thought Gwen might really freak out over that, instead it gave her a lot to think of and when Aux reached out she was happy. I loved the choice that Gwen made at the end, it was perfect for her and Aux.
January 15, 2022
This was a nice read. Not a great deal of substance to it. It's a bit vague in parts and definitely could've used some expanding on but overall, it was a cute and sweet and funny romance. Not totally insta-luv but close to it. They only new each other for a couple of days.
March 13, 2021
3.5 Stars
April 1, 2021
This reads like an unfinished first draft...
March 13, 2021
A new series🤩
Wow, TS Joyce is certainly on a roll with her writing at the moment and I’m loving them all😁 This series is slightly different in that Aux is a bear shifter but he lives in the mountains essentially alone, until he stumbles upon Gwen after she’s been in an accident😢
However, Aus and his brothers have promised an Oath to end their never having cubs❣️This may still hold true for Aux, but Gwen seems to be the one person who makes him feel alive and as though he’s living😍 I’m looking forward to Brick’s story next❤️
Wow, TS Joyce is certainly on a roll with her writing at the moment and I’m loving them all😁 This series is slightly different in that Aux is a bear shifter but he lives in the mountains essentially alone, until he stumbles upon Gwen after she’s been in an accident😢
However, Aus and his brothers have promised an Oath to end their never having cubs❣️This may still hold true for Aux, but Gwen seems to be the one person who makes him feel alive and as though he’s living😍 I’m looking forward to Brick’s story next❤️
Want to read
January 5, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/5/2022)! 🎁
April 9, 2021
4.25 - Short, insta-love, but oh so very sweet. 😘💖
June 25, 2021
Loved Gwen and Aux
She was a spitfire and he was a growly grizzly. Book had everything laughs, years and love. Only thing I would have loved to see him claim her and her to have some cubs. Maybe we will see it in another book.
She was a spitfire and he was a growly grizzly. Book had everything laughs, years and love. Only thing I would have loved to see him claim her and her to have some cubs. Maybe we will see it in another book.
May 25, 2025
I loved this book. It was so cute. Aux was grumpy and his grumpiness faded as Gwen’s bubbly personality grew on him. She was adorable.
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the ending. It felt abrupt and a little unfinished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
“My nose is broken!”
“I already said that,” he grumbled, easing the truck back toward the way he came. “Put pressure on your forehead. You’re stinking up the truck like blood.”
“This is a dream. I’m having a dream right now. This is a nightmare. Franklin! My nose is completely crooked!”
He glanced at her and then back at the blizzard in front of them. “Well, you probably lived off your looks too long anyhow. Now you can grow some personality.”
~Gwen and Aux
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Keep talking about making him an inside pig and I’ll toss him back outside with his mother and let nature take its course.”
“I forbid it,” she said as Aux set a plate of buttered pancakes in front of her.
“You forbid it?” he asked.
“Yep. Samson Hamson Bane is special, and he is my pig until I leave, so no tossing him out.”
“Bacon?” he asked, offering her a plate of the delicious meat.
“Not in front of our child.”
~Aux and Gwen
The only thing that didn’t work for me was the ending. It felt abrupt and a little unfinished.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FAVORITE QUOTES
“My nose is broken!”
“I already said that,” he grumbled, easing the truck back toward the way he came. “Put pressure on your forehead. You’re stinking up the truck like blood.”
“This is a dream. I’m having a dream right now. This is a nightmare. Franklin! My nose is completely crooked!”
He glanced at her and then back at the blizzard in front of them. “Well, you probably lived off your looks too long anyhow. Now you can grow some personality.”
~Gwen and Aux
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Keep talking about making him an inside pig and I’ll toss him back outside with his mother and let nature take its course.”
“I forbid it,” she said as Aux set a plate of buttered pancakes in front of her.
“You forbid it?” he asked.
“Yep. Samson Hamson Bane is special, and he is my pig until I leave, so no tossing him out.”
“Bacon?” he asked, offering her a plate of the delicious meat.
“Not in front of our child.”
~Aux and Gwen
April 2, 2021
I loved this book! Their banter omg! Made me laugh so hard.
March 31, 2021
I love how Ms. Joyce titles some of her series and this is a great example. Reading her stories always feels like a gift; like I was fortunate enough to read such a sweet story. I think just about all her stories are about self discovery, healing, or building oneself up that can resonate so well with the reader. Even making it better is finding love along the way and it's that person who truly sees you.
Gwen was a funny and very positive (you'll get what I mean if you read this) person. She was a hoot and I loved her character. Aux was a rough grouch but such a good guy and I loved him too. I loved this story and wouldn't have minded if it was a bit longer. I enjoy stories that take place in the mountains, forests and outdoors so the setting and mood for this was great too. I'm looking forward to reading Brick's story 'How it has to be' (see what I mean?). I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a short, sweet read.
Gwen was a funny and very positive (you'll get what I mean if you read this) person. She was a hoot and I loved her character. Aux was a rough grouch but such a good guy and I loved him too. I loved this story and wouldn't have minded if it was a bit longer. I enjoy stories that take place in the mountains, forests and outdoors so the setting and mood for this was great too. I'm looking forward to reading Brick's story 'How it has to be' (see what I mean?). I definitely recommend this if you're looking for a short, sweet read.
October 4, 2021
Beginning of a series, 3.5 stars. Its really insta, but I liked our fearless heroine who names her blow-dryer Billie (with an "ie") so she has someone to talk to. It has some good banter but cuts to the chase since its a short story.
Aux is a triplet (bear) and is the first brother to find his mate. She conveniently crashes near him and he gets to patch her up. And, its nice that he patches up more than her body, its her spirit and self-esteem too. The whole crow thing is puzzling but seems like all will be revealed soon. Since the books are so short, I will find out soon. :)
Aux is a triplet (bear) and is the first brother to find his mate. She conveniently crashes near him and he gets to patch her up. And, its nice that he patches up more than her body, its her spirit and self-esteem too. The whole crow thing is puzzling but seems like all will be revealed soon. Since the books are so short, I will find out soon. :)
November 3, 2022
Calling all bear-shifter romance fans…
I was glad to see that T.S Joyce has a series that is new to me: Oath of Bane. Book 1, How It's Supposed to Be, has a light plot with all the good, sexy feels you expect from a shifter romance by T.S. Joyce. Enjoy!
I was glad to see that T.S Joyce has a series that is new to me: Oath of Bane. Book 1, How It's Supposed to Be, has a light plot with all the good, sexy feels you expect from a shifter romance by T.S. Joyce. Enjoy!
April 11, 2021
Excellent, as usual
I’m always a fan of anything TS Joyce writes. This book was no exception!! It was quirky, fun and she always makes me tear up a little. I can’t wait to read the next one!
I’m always a fan of anything TS Joyce writes. This book was no exception!! It was quirky, fun and she always makes me tear up a little. I can’t wait to read the next one!
March 12, 2021
So in love
I never knew I needed this extra dose of warm and fuzzy. T S Joyce always knows when I need a dose. I enjoyed Aux and can't wait for brick. Thank you
I never knew I needed this extra dose of warm and fuzzy. T S Joyce always knows when I need a dose. I enjoyed Aux and can't wait for brick. Thank you
January 24, 2022
3.5 stars
Quick and enjoyable read. I would have liked a little more backstory and more time taken for the romance to develop but for the length of the book it was quite good.
Quick and enjoyable read. I would have liked a little more backstory and more time taken for the romance to develop but for the length of the book it was quite good.
May 17, 2023
I thought Aux and Gwen were perfect for each other. I loved the chickens and pigs and Gwen’s personality.
March 19, 2021
Very short book
This was so short and left alot to be desired. Not sure how this author went from one of my absolute favorites, with stories so in depth and compelling, to mediocre at best. Very disappointing.
This was so short and left alot to be desired. Not sure how this author went from one of my absolute favorites, with stories so in depth and compelling, to mediocre at best. Very disappointing.
July 3, 2021
I find myself reading a very well written series that I absolutely adore at the same time as a friend of mine. That series is not this book, but I needed something to read while I waited for her to catch up and this “book” was 90 pages so basically a short story.
Figured it would be perfect to give me the feeling of reading while not actually snagging any of my brain cells, and I was right.
TS Joyce writes shifter romance books…and they are always fluffy books. They are cotton candy, funnel cakes, I’m at the fair so I’ll eat whatever I want don’t judge me books. They are the kind of books you read because you don’t feel like being too invested but you also want to be entertained and TV shows suck these days.
This “book”? Was a poor representation of what Ms. Joyce is capable of. My review is longer and more thought out than this extremely long short story.
It almost reads like the outline of a book she wanted to write, but then she got hard up for money so she just published it. Even the (completely UNNECESSARY and totally awkward) sex scene was cringe…and felt totally out of place. It seriously was not necessary and it was so cringe.
The only reason I finished it is because my kindle said it would only take me 56 minutes to read and my mama didn’t raise a quitter.
The next time I’m waiting on my friend to catch up on our simultaneous reading adventures I will do myself a favor and read a Chinese food takeout menu rather than something like this.
Figured it would be perfect to give me the feeling of reading while not actually snagging any of my brain cells, and I was right.
TS Joyce writes shifter romance books…and they are always fluffy books. They are cotton candy, funnel cakes, I’m at the fair so I’ll eat whatever I want don’t judge me books. They are the kind of books you read because you don’t feel like being too invested but you also want to be entertained and TV shows suck these days.
This “book”? Was a poor representation of what Ms. Joyce is capable of. My review is longer and more thought out than this extremely long short story.
It almost reads like the outline of a book she wanted to write, but then she got hard up for money so she just published it. Even the (completely UNNECESSARY and totally awkward) sex scene was cringe…and felt totally out of place. It seriously was not necessary and it was so cringe.
The only reason I finished it is because my kindle said it would only take me 56 minutes to read and my mama didn’t raise a quitter.
The next time I’m waiting on my friend to catch up on our simultaneous reading adventures I will do myself a favor and read a Chinese food takeout menu rather than something like this.
July 28, 2021
This was fast and short. Not as filled out like her other books. 98 pages so not a lot could really go into it. I'm just wondering if it's a book she was thinking about and wrote it quick and turned into a series by the end because characters were talking to her. This moved pretty fast and at the end it ended quickly and a little abrupt. I feel it was rushed a little bit because I'm so used to her books having more. I have no doubt the other books will have more. I liked both Gwen and Aux I just wanted more of them.
March 19, 2021
Sorry but sweet
This story was shorter than we usually get but still very sweet. It has the usual man vs animal conflict. This time it’s a little sad. Not too much background is given but it doesn’t just end with everything as rainbows and babies, just happiness.
This story was shorter than we usually get but still very sweet. It has the usual man vs animal conflict. This time it’s a little sad. Not too much background is given but it doesn’t just end with everything as rainbows and babies, just happiness.
April 9, 2023
The H has promised to be the last of his clan. He saves the h's life and she changes him. She's vulnerable and he helps her to become stronger. An angsty story with lots of blood, steam and sweetness.
April 20, 2021
A Mesmerizing Shifter Romance Unlike Any Other...
I had never read anything by T.S. Joyce before this book. This most interesting and unique shifter romance; a tale quite unlike anything I have ever read before. If you are looking for a sweet, insta-mate, i'll-do-anything-to-make-you-mine story, this is not it. This one is almost somber in tone, full of angst and quiet despair at first, but stay the course, you will be richly rewarded...
“How It’s Supposed To Be” is the first book in Joyce’s “Oath of Bane” series, where we are introduced to the Bane brothers, bear shifters with a deadly serious pact to never interact with humans so their familial line will die with them. A pact born from a childhood shrouded in half-truths and mystery, constructed with hard unbreakable rules reinforced in blood.
Here, we start this three book journey with the story of Gwen and Auxley, Gwen being the seemingly scatterbrained, high maintenance city girl running from a bad breakup to the wilds of a dude ranch where she hopes to mend her broken heart and start anew. And Auxley Bane, the thirty-five year old shifter determined to honor the pact with his brothers despite the crippling loneliness and despair it brings to his life. A closed off yet deeply introspective and soft spoken man despite his growling alpha core who is unexpectedly set on a crash course of life altering change by way of a fallen tree, a tree thrust forward by fate causing an accident that almost brings death to Gwen and forces Aux into action to save her. An act that leads him to break all the pact rules bringing a murder of mysterious crows and their uncertain omens to them both, an act that forces him to confront all he has ever been taught. What follows is a fast paced and sexy, yet brooding story steeped in angst and shrouded with intrigue.
However, despite the darker more serious tone than you would find in a typical shifter romance, this one is also laced with humor and witty banter, a refreshing addition that supports the heavier plot and surprising level of emotional depth and brooding overall. It is a wonderful story of how sometimes meeting people at their worst can be the best thing that ever happens. A captivating tale of emotional confrontation, overcoming fear, and embracing a future never thought possible. And with Gwen’s new found love to guide him, a story of how they together embark on a path to unravel the mysteries of the bears and the crows and all that Aux’s existence means, childhood and all. It is a story that is as heartwarming as it is gut churning and I loved every single word of it!
Gwen’s quirky strength is contagious. Aux’s resolve is sexy as hell. The chemistry between the two, scorching and intelligently written. My only wish, that it was longer. This is the first novella I’ve read in a while that I felt was far too substantial to be a short, too meaty to be anything other than a full length novel. The plot is intense, too intense for this book's brevity. Furthermore, the chemistry between Gwen and Aux, while tantalizing, doesn’t have enough room to fully soar with all of the other intrigue surrounding it. Nor do you really get a full understanding of the gravity of the source of the pact between the Bane brothers; something I am hoping is divulged in the next two installments. However, despite needing it to be longer, more fully fleshed out, it is a story worthy of a feature film and one I promise you will not be disappointed by!
I had never read anything by T.S. Joyce before this book. This most interesting and unique shifter romance; a tale quite unlike anything I have ever read before. If you are looking for a sweet, insta-mate, i'll-do-anything-to-make-you-mine story, this is not it. This one is almost somber in tone, full of angst and quiet despair at first, but stay the course, you will be richly rewarded...
“How It’s Supposed To Be” is the first book in Joyce’s “Oath of Bane” series, where we are introduced to the Bane brothers, bear shifters with a deadly serious pact to never interact with humans so their familial line will die with them. A pact born from a childhood shrouded in half-truths and mystery, constructed with hard unbreakable rules reinforced in blood.
Here, we start this three book journey with the story of Gwen and Auxley, Gwen being the seemingly scatterbrained, high maintenance city girl running from a bad breakup to the wilds of a dude ranch where she hopes to mend her broken heart and start anew. And Auxley Bane, the thirty-five year old shifter determined to honor the pact with his brothers despite the crippling loneliness and despair it brings to his life. A closed off yet deeply introspective and soft spoken man despite his growling alpha core who is unexpectedly set on a crash course of life altering change by way of a fallen tree, a tree thrust forward by fate causing an accident that almost brings death to Gwen and forces Aux into action to save her. An act that leads him to break all the pact rules bringing a murder of mysterious crows and their uncertain omens to them both, an act that forces him to confront all he has ever been taught. What follows is a fast paced and sexy, yet brooding story steeped in angst and shrouded with intrigue.
However, despite the darker more serious tone than you would find in a typical shifter romance, this one is also laced with humor and witty banter, a refreshing addition that supports the heavier plot and surprising level of emotional depth and brooding overall. It is a wonderful story of how sometimes meeting people at their worst can be the best thing that ever happens. A captivating tale of emotional confrontation, overcoming fear, and embracing a future never thought possible. And with Gwen’s new found love to guide him, a story of how they together embark on a path to unravel the mysteries of the bears and the crows and all that Aux’s existence means, childhood and all. It is a story that is as heartwarming as it is gut churning and I loved every single word of it!
Gwen’s quirky strength is contagious. Aux’s resolve is sexy as hell. The chemistry between the two, scorching and intelligently written. My only wish, that it was longer. This is the first novella I’ve read in a while that I felt was far too substantial to be a short, too meaty to be anything other than a full length novel. The plot is intense, too intense for this book's brevity. Furthermore, the chemistry between Gwen and Aux, while tantalizing, doesn’t have enough room to fully soar with all of the other intrigue surrounding it. Nor do you really get a full understanding of the gravity of the source of the pact between the Bane brothers; something I am hoping is divulged in the next two installments. However, despite needing it to be longer, more fully fleshed out, it is a story worthy of a feature film and one I promise you will not be disappointed by!
March 13, 2021
From the moment that I started reading the first book in the Oath of Bane series, I was totally hooked on the fascinating paranormal storyline because of its innovative premise plus very interesting characters. A human woman and a bear-shifting man became entangled when their lives unexpectedly cross paths, and I have rarely been so entertained as I watched one surprising development after another take place. While neither are looking to be in a relationship for vastly different reasons, the longing each feels becomes more difficult to resist. The circumstances that T. S. Joyce dreams up for them to face in HOW IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE are a clever mixture of amusing situations, uncertain outcomes, and heartfelt emotional encounters.
After a painful breakup with a cheating boyfriend, Gwen Smithers felt she needed some time alone, and spending several nights at a ranch in the Montana mountains will hopefully take her mind off the direction that her life has recently undergone. Unfortunately, a tree plus an icy road altered her goal. Luckily for Gwen, someone else just happened to come by shortly after the incident. Yet Auxor Bane is not an ordinary man, and the strength he gets from being a bear-shifter is the only way that she can be rescued. But he and his two brothers have three rules which must be followed, and keeping Gwen alive will have Aux breaking one and possibly even more.
I do not know when I have laughed so much while reading as I did during HOW IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE. Words spoken are frequently so comical, and the responses of Gwen and Aux could be just as hilarious. I have no idea how T. S. Joyce comes up with some of her imaginative scenes, but I certainly enjoyed the large number of delightful episodes in this book. Gwen has such a lively personality, and no matter how she feels, her true nature is still apparent. Aux appears really gruff and bad-tempered, but his softer side sneaks in occasionally. When these two interact, how a situation will play out has no guarantees because both could be spontaneous. This fact made the book so rewarding time and again. The author has also created a few distinctive paranormal elements for the story, and I was intrigued by their uniqueness.
After a painful breakup with a cheating boyfriend, Gwen Smithers felt she needed some time alone, and spending several nights at a ranch in the Montana mountains will hopefully take her mind off the direction that her life has recently undergone. Unfortunately, a tree plus an icy road altered her goal. Luckily for Gwen, someone else just happened to come by shortly after the incident. Yet Auxor Bane is not an ordinary man, and the strength he gets from being a bear-shifter is the only way that she can be rescued. But he and his two brothers have three rules which must be followed, and keeping Gwen alive will have Aux breaking one and possibly even more.
I do not know when I have laughed so much while reading as I did during HOW IT’S SUPPOSED TO BE. Words spoken are frequently so comical, and the responses of Gwen and Aux could be just as hilarious. I have no idea how T. S. Joyce comes up with some of her imaginative scenes, but I certainly enjoyed the large number of delightful episodes in this book. Gwen has such a lively personality, and no matter how she feels, her true nature is still apparent. Aux appears really gruff and bad-tempered, but his softer side sneaks in occasionally. When these two interact, how a situation will play out has no guarantees because both could be spontaneous. This fact made the book so rewarding time and again. The author has also created a few distinctive paranormal elements for the story, and I was intrigued by their uniqueness.
June 8, 2021
I'm obviously behind since this released months ago and I'm just now reading it, but to be honest, I needed this book today. I have been on a reading streak of low stars and several DNF's, and T.S. Joyce's new series was exactly what I needed to get out of that reading rut.
T.S. Joyce is a master at giving you the experiences of a full-length novel in the span of a novella. This brand new shifter world she created is exactly that, an all-consuming escape that's perfect when you only have a short time to read.
Gwen had been in a toxic relationship with a man that always seemed to weasel his way back into her life, and this time she wasn't taking that chance so she poked her things for a retreat at a dude ranch.
It didn't exactly turn out that way, but it was clear that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Gwen was a rock star at awkward rambling, and that happens to be one of my favorite characteristics in character. In her words you learned that the man in her past took every opportunity to knock her down, and on every page you could feel her confidence growing, in her actions and in the encouragement she gets from Aux.
Aux was all growly and stand-offish, but you also got a glimpse into the incredible heart he had, no matter how much he attempted to keep it hidden.
Aux and Gwen have instant chemistry, but as they spend time together, the things they share, and more so what's left unsaid, is the what forms their indestructible foundation. Gwen's banter made me laugh and when Aux joined in it made me giggle and my heart flutter.
T.S. Joyce's heroines always resonate deep inside me. They are women who are strong, but sometimes need a reminder, cracked but never broken, finding their way back to themselves, and so many other different things that always make me feel better after seeing them find their own brand of happy.
An excellent introduction to this addictive new world from T.S. Joyce. A mesmerizing blend of exhilarating chemistry, a growly hero, a witty heroine finding herself, a storyline that makes you laugh while tugging your heart strings tightly, steam, all inside a brand new shifter world that has me beyond intrigued about what's to come.
T.S. Joyce is a master at giving you the experiences of a full-length novel in the span of a novella. This brand new shifter world she created is exactly that, an all-consuming escape that's perfect when you only have a short time to read.
Gwen had been in a toxic relationship with a man that always seemed to weasel his way back into her life, and this time she wasn't taking that chance so she poked her things for a retreat at a dude ranch.
It didn't exactly turn out that way, but it was clear that she was exactly where she was meant to be.
Gwen was a rock star at awkward rambling, and that happens to be one of my favorite characteristics in character. In her words you learned that the man in her past took every opportunity to knock her down, and on every page you could feel her confidence growing, in her actions and in the encouragement she gets from Aux.
Aux was all growly and stand-offish, but you also got a glimpse into the incredible heart he had, no matter how much he attempted to keep it hidden.
Aux and Gwen have instant chemistry, but as they spend time together, the things they share, and more so what's left unsaid, is the what forms their indestructible foundation. Gwen's banter made me laugh and when Aux joined in it made me giggle and my heart flutter.
T.S. Joyce's heroines always resonate deep inside me. They are women who are strong, but sometimes need a reminder, cracked but never broken, finding their way back to themselves, and so many other different things that always make me feel better after seeing them find their own brand of happy.
An excellent introduction to this addictive new world from T.S. Joyce. A mesmerizing blend of exhilarating chemistry, a growly hero, a witty heroine finding herself, a storyline that makes you laugh while tugging your heart strings tightly, steam, all inside a brand new shifter world that has me beyond intrigued about what's to come.
August 13, 2022
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
How It’s Supposed To Be starts off the Oath of Bane series with a story that grips the imagination as two people, seemingly quite by chance, encounter each other, and that discovery will change how they had believed their lives were supposed to be – whether that’s a good thing or not is still up in the air – for now. Frankly, everything you’d want to know before picking up Gwen and Aux’s story can be found in the Cover Description. What isn’t there are the emotions that this one will wring out of you as one oath is about to be broken, and a new chance at life is about to be found.
I found Gwen to be charming if a bit scattered at times. She’s dealing with her reality and starting to see the parts of herself that she’s pushed down for so long coming back to life once again. Being happy in her own skin, knowing that she is certainly good enough for this mountain man has her confidence growing and her outlook on life taking a turn in a different direction. I liked her and her excitement at chickens, pigs, and the outdoors life definitely gave me a few chuckles along the way.
Aux is… complex, and I hurt for this bear shifter in so many ways. He and his brothers have made a vow, an oath… one that he is fighting so hard to not break. But how was he to know that his mate would find him up on this mountain, secluded from most of the outside world? These brothers have, to their minds, very good reasons that they should be the last of their kind. Yet, when faced with a life of solitude and loneliness… or a life with Gwen, Aux knew what he wanted. Then fate in the form of his brother steps in.
How It’s Supposed To Be is full of angst, sexy times, laughter, the feeling of impending danger, and some hard choices for both Aux and Gwen. I loved being in this world, and if you love this author’s work, if a growly bear shifter and his bubbly, talkative mate sound like folks you’d like to know, if a good, solid Shifter Romance sets your heart aflame then this series will be perfect for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
How It’s Supposed To Be starts off the Oath of Bane series with a story that grips the imagination as two people, seemingly quite by chance, encounter each other, and that discovery will change how they had believed their lives were supposed to be – whether that’s a good thing or not is still up in the air – for now. Frankly, everything you’d want to know before picking up Gwen and Aux’s story can be found in the Cover Description. What isn’t there are the emotions that this one will wring out of you as one oath is about to be broken, and a new chance at life is about to be found.
I found Gwen to be charming if a bit scattered at times. She’s dealing with her reality and starting to see the parts of herself that she’s pushed down for so long coming back to life once again. Being happy in her own skin, knowing that she is certainly good enough for this mountain man has her confidence growing and her outlook on life taking a turn in a different direction. I liked her and her excitement at chickens, pigs, and the outdoors life definitely gave me a few chuckles along the way.
Aux is… complex, and I hurt for this bear shifter in so many ways. He and his brothers have made a vow, an oath… one that he is fighting so hard to not break. But how was he to know that his mate would find him up on this mountain, secluded from most of the outside world? These brothers have, to their minds, very good reasons that they should be the last of their kind. Yet, when faced with a life of solitude and loneliness… or a life with Gwen, Aux knew what he wanted. Then fate in the form of his brother steps in.
How It’s Supposed To Be is full of angst, sexy times, laughter, the feeling of impending danger, and some hard choices for both Aux and Gwen. I loved being in this world, and if you love this author’s work, if a growly bear shifter and his bubbly, talkative mate sound like folks you’d like to know, if a good, solid Shifter Romance sets your heart aflame then this series will be perfect for you.
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
March 16, 2021
Good story. Short but intense.
Good story. Short but intense.
It’s really like the description says.
I would have liked more,,not really a fan of the times when you have what feels
like a bit of a slow burn ( short story) they finally start to become a couple, then a “break up” ( kinda sorta) ( does running for your life count?) then come back together,then “The End.”
I like to get a chance to see a “couple” really be a couple before then end of the story . But like I said, it’s short but intense but the silly quirky intensity you expect from Ms.Joyce.
I think this maybe the first story this short by her I’ve ever enjoyed .
I’m looking forward to Aux’s brothers stories .
Thank you Ms. Joyce
Ps. One lil thing I noticed though, the h is so lonely at first she’s given her hairdryer a name “Billie”. She tells Aux more than once what a good listener “Billie” is. Okkkaaaay.
Anyway Aux sends her belongings to her and when she opens the box she comments on how “Bobbie” is on top of her things . It’s not like a disappearing dwarf cat with singed fur and who supposedly has separation anxieties( especially now) but felt odd she’d forgotten her beloved hairdryer “friends” name . I mean it had been weeks maybe it was a natural thing to forget ? But with the way the book started and then remembering the cat, I was left unsure if it was a continuity issue or if the h just forgot inanimate besties name because she was no longer important.
Thanks again ,I had a good time.
Good story. Short but intense.
It’s really like the description says.
I would have liked more,,not really a fan of the times when you have what feels
like a bit of a slow burn ( short story) they finally start to become a couple, then a “break up” ( kinda sorta) ( does running for your life count?) then come back together,then “The End.”
I like to get a chance to see a “couple” really be a couple before then end of the story . But like I said, it’s short but intense but the silly quirky intensity you expect from Ms.Joyce.
I think this maybe the first story this short by her I’ve ever enjoyed .
I’m looking forward to Aux’s brothers stories .
Thank you Ms. Joyce
Ps. One lil thing I noticed though, the h is so lonely at first she’s given her hairdryer a name “Billie”. She tells Aux more than once what a good listener “Billie” is. Okkkaaaay.
Anyway Aux sends her belongings to her and when she opens the box she comments on how “Bobbie” is on top of her things . It’s not like a disappearing dwarf cat with singed fur and who supposedly has separation anxieties( especially now) but felt odd she’d forgotten her beloved hairdryer “friends” name . I mean it had been weeks maybe it was a natural thing to forget ? But with the way the book started and then remembering the cat, I was left unsure if it was a continuity issue or if the h just forgot inanimate besties name because she was no longer important.
Thanks again ,I had a good time.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews