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Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Ranch #1

Single Daddy Bear Next Door

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Camille moved to Bear Creek to start a new life. NOT a new relationship.
So when her neighbor opens the door wearing nothing, but a towel slung around his hips, and the cutest baby in his arms, she knows she is not going to fall for him…
Who is she kidding? Ezra is everything she could want in a man. But she is determined not to fall for the single daddy next door.

The last thing bear shifter, Ezra 'Kev' Thornberg, expects when he’s playing daddy to his best friend’s baby for a couple of weeks is to meet his mate. But there she is standing at the front door.
Soon, ex-soldier, Ezra is dreaming of the day he’ll be a daddy for real. But his mate has secrets.
And those secrets might stop their relationship dead in its tracks, before it’s even had a chance to begin.

170 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 25, 2024

1294 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Harmony Raines

294 books701 followers
Harmony Raines loves to write romance filled with magic and love. Her men are usually not so alpha, but they know how to treat their fated mates, or alien lovers well.

Email: harmony@harmonyraines.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonyraine...

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From the author:
If you love shifter romances, sign up to my newsletter at http://www.harmonyraines.com/newslett... and you'll receive an exclusive subscriber only book - Fated & Mated: Love at First Site - absolutely free!

Just my way of saying thank you for giving my books a try.

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5 stars
781 (56%)
4 stars
341 (24%)
3 stars
198 (14%)
2 stars
49 (3%)
1 star
17 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
Profile Image for Shelley.
537 reviews10 followers
June 15, 2024
Safe predictable book with a plot you’ve read a million times and can see coming. But with so little character development that you don’t really care or enjoy the climax.

Insta-love
Spice
Cute family
Pie
Profile Image for Shifter Haven.
262 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2025
Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Single Daddy Bear Next Door begins the Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Ranch series with Camille’s and Ezra’s unexpected romance. This series is part of the Bear Creek / Bear Bluff universe. You certainly don’t need to have read all of the books, but I would recommend them, for this is a fun, entertaining world with likable characters and a real sense of community.

Camille has just moved to Bear Creek with the intent of opening her business of creating delectable pies, while escaping her abusive ex, who would destroy her if he found her again. She is picking up a package from her neighbor next door when a delicious man opens the door wearing only a towel, holding an adorable baby. Too bad she’s not in the market for another relationship, considering how her last one ended… but he sure is tempting, even if it seems he’s taken. Ezra was babysitting his friend’s baby while she dealt with a family issue. The last thing he expected was to discover his mate on the doorstep. It’s going to take patience and stubbornness to win his lady over, but the road to his future is helping her understand what they are to each other and keeping her safe from her past.

I love any story that adds to the fun, steamy world of Bear Creek. The way Ezra felt the mate pull supplies a few chuckles for me. Camille is wounded but proud, and she doesn’t need any man in her life to dictate how she lives, but Ezra is slowly working his way into her heart. I loved watching their steamy encounters as much as the tenderness that’s growing between them. If you love a well-written shifter romance set in a familiar world with characters you’ll root for, then Single Daddy Bear Next Door by Harmony Raines is a perfect match for you.

I own a Kindle edition of this title.
1,285 reviews10 followers
Read
May 4, 2024
Great start to a new series in Bear Creek!

Ezra is watching his friend's baby when her neighbor knocks on the door. Camille wants to pick up a package that was delivered to her neighbor. Then she meets and is instantly attracted to Ezra, but he must be interested in the mother of the baby he is watching. But Ezra knows that Camille is his fated mate. He just has to prove it. Then something bad from her past cones back to bother her. Can Ezra prove he is the bear for her?

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes and some action. The characters are vivid and engaging. You can read this book, but it is in series #12 or so set in the Bear Creek area. If you want the o start at the beginning get the Bear Creek and Bear Bluff box set. Then read the Return to Bear Bluff box set and the Return to Bear Creek box sets and single titles. Then there are many other series, but these are a great introduction to Bear Creek and Bear Bluff. If you like shifter romances with endearing characters and some action or mystery, then these are for you! Enjoy!
600 reviews
April 25, 2025
Ezra & Camille
I am confused on how this book has such a high rating. First of all the title the book is deceiving because he’s not a daddy, He’s a babysitter. I find it very difficult to find good shifter reads and this book is an example of that. The span of the story except for the last chapter is just over a few days less than a week. By day, two without them having very much personal conversation, she’s already saying that she thinks she’s in love with him. The first time she meets a couple of his brothers and his mom there aren’t even introductions made. And then she finds out he’s a shifter and there’s no questions asked she just accepts it. And then her ex comes back and threatens her and instead of telling Ezra, she hides behind the door and says she can’t see him anymore. And when she goes back to him to say she’s sorry there’s really not even a big explanation of why she did what she did she doesn’t explain her past relationship. She doesn’t explain much about her ex. This book could’ve been a lot better if it was a little bit longer and the story was actually played out a bit more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
210 reviews4 followers
February 28, 2025
Enjoy Bear Creek!

I so enjoy the continuity of being in Bear Creek again each time I read one of the books from one of series set in Bear Creek. It's refreshing to read about good people trying to do the right thing. And there's shifters!

This book is a light read, meaning the plot has limited depth, is often predictable, and the character development is limited. I have a sense of the depth these people have, such as Mary's insight about Camille, but it's from very limited glimpses of who they really are. That said, I still enjoy meeting these people and seeing a little more of Bear Creek. I much appreciate being able to read these books through Kindle Unlimited.

So why not five stars? Because this book would be more engaging if it had more plot, more character development, more relationship development, and less erotica. Erotic details do not move a story forward. I skipped the erotic scenes which made it a much, much shorter read!

I considered a 3 star rating, but there's a place for short, light reads--and it's Bear Creek! So 4 stars it is. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Kate.
2,584 reviews6 followers
April 15, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that it was a good start to the Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Ranch Series by Harmony Raines. This book, like all the books in the Bear Creek Universe is an insta-love story about fated mates. Camille has recently moved to Bear Creek and is planning to start a homemade pie making business, she’s recently left her abusive ex and covered her tracks and moved to Bear Creek so he can’t find her. Ezra suffers from PTSD after serving in the military and is currently staying at his team mate Frizz’s house and looking after her baby Jasper while she is staying with her mum who is unwell. Ezra is completely shocked when Frizz’s new neighbour Camille knocks on the door and she ends up being his mate. I thought that they were good together and I enjoyed meeting some of Ezra’s brothers’ and I’m looking forward to reading their books as the series continues, it’s Levi turn next. The Thornberg curse has definitely been broken. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
63 reviews1 follower
May 8, 2024
Bear Creek Forever

I just got done reading this book one in the newest series set in Bear Creek…Bear Creek Forever. In Single Daddy Bear Next Door, of course we meet and get to know Ezra and Camille…but we read about Ezra’s brothers and parents. They’re a very close, loving family. And since there are so many Thornbergs introduced, I’m hoping, now that the curse is broken…that there are stories coming up for each of the brothers finding their mates. I also hope to read at some point another family trend might change and Camille gives birth to a baby girl (or even twin baby girls) , which would send Mary over the moon in happiness. I can’t wait for Levi’s story to come up next.
Profile Image for Lita.
2,542 reviews7 followers
June 1, 2024
New book and series within the Bear Creek family. In this book we meet Camille who is new to Bear Creek and the Thornbergs, specifically her mate Ezra Thornberg. Ezra comes from a very large family. His father is one 6 sons who had 6 sons of their own, making that 36 cousins. None of the 36 have found their mates and there's talk of a curse. Ezra and Camille are fated mates and end up with their own HEA. The boos is spicy but the romance is sweet unless you really hate love at first sight, in which case you stay away from shifter stories. I enjoyed this so much I immediately started the second book before reviewing this one.
327 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2024
Awesome Read!!!

First book in the series and I am already hooked. It's always a pleasure reading your books Miss Raines, they draw you in and leave you at the edge of your seat. Two broken souls mend their broken 💕💕, and here come trouble I o mess it up...not loved how Cameille found her inner strength and fought off that predator because that's what he is a predator. Why would he follow the poor women only to start abusing her again..shm, some men I tell you are not worth a grain of salt..but here comes the hero to save the day Ezra..loved it and can't wait to read the next book in this series Levi..oh Goodie Goodie...Big Fan As Always Winzie19 🤗💕💯:⁠-⁠).
Profile Image for Schellie.
875 reviews
December 31, 2024
What a great start to this new series. Ezra & Camille both consider themselves broken, he from PTSD after military service & her from an abusive relationship. It was wonderful to watch them meet, right after she moves in next door.Seeing him answer the door in nothing but a towel(fans self) holding a baby! I always enjoy the banter of Miss Raines characters, they are so passionate about life! Camille is determined too start a pie baking business & Ezra helps run his family ranch. As always, these books are filled with loving compassionate families, always willing to help their community. This story was sweet, sexy, spicy & just a bit suspenseful. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Livey.
1,437 reviews
June 3, 2024
single daddy bear to the rescue

Ezra is looking out for his military partners baby boy when he meets her new neighbor his mate. Camille has escaped an abuse relationship with an ex and has moved to Bear Creek to start and business, but when her house needs repairs before she unpacks she falls hard for Ezra without knowing about shifters and the mating pull. Ezra will do anything to protect and cherish Camille including help her with the house and protect her from her ex! Fast passion in this story and great pies 🥧 the list of spices is dynamite.
5 reviews
July 2, 2025
it's an okay book. You can definitely tell it wasn't written by a native English speaker or if it was then they're old as sin. The author didn't bother to use contractions once throughout the book, which made the book seem longer and more boring than it needed to be. You're trying to convince me that the characters are old enough to get married but not menopause age and none of them used slang or word contractions whatsoever? plot was good for what it was but the execution of the book was terrible.
Profile Image for Teresa .
1,908 reviews3 followers
December 2, 2024
First brother finds his mate

Book one, new series but is set in same world as other series (links) but so far not see a cross over (just talk of the bear beer, read other series with who makes it in)

This book is boy next door and single daddy, cute meet but with a twist he does not live next door and not the father. I found that strange shouldn't he think of himself as uncle? She might meet someone and want him to be dad to her child?
714 reviews
May 8, 2025
Loved it🐻

This author is one of my favorites her romance novellas has a tendency to calm me. This book in the first of its series, is filled with family, friendship, loyalty, romance and love💘. I wasn't always a romance reader, and to add to that paranormal love it. I believe we all have an animal in us, seeing no color, race,or anything else that binds humans to a specific thing. On to the next book📚 in this series.
Profile Image for Lee-anna Dunk.
1,346 reviews54 followers
June 2, 2024
Loved this book ❤️

Harmony Raines is a new author to me and one I will be reading more of .
I really enjoyed this story about a bear shifter who meets his fated mate while baby sitting his best friends baby .

I love the storyline and the chemistry between the characters was well written .
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in this series .
Profile Image for Amy Bee.
247 reviews13 followers
August 27, 2024
Ugh

Way.. too… fast! There’s insta love and there’s INSTA love. Also, for a woman who has been abused by someone she trusted, that distrust evaporated as quickly as any realism or true feeling in this book. I dislike a damsel in distress. Problem? Flee to the nearest person for help. Hard pass on this series.
Profile Image for Robin Ann.
1,395 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2025
Pies, Bears and Fated Mates

What a wonderful book. I enjoyed their cute/meet with her thinking he was the father when he was just babysitting. He knew she was his fated mate as soon as he opened the door. While they got to know each other, they also faced their pasts and got their HEA.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,352 reviews46 followers
April 19, 2025
Sweet, mate insta connection story.
Loved the whole family dynamics. Six boys, whoa, plus all those cousins.
Ezra was a bit premature knowing there was a threat before he had been told by Camille.
I’d like to know what happened to Seb. Pretty sure he’d only be getting a slap on the wrist.
As usual, a couple of silly errors made it through proofreading.
Read through kindle unlimited.
Profile Image for Jenny From The Bog.
875 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2024
Insta- everything

Insta-lust, insta-love, insta-family, insta-trauma-recovery. Predictable and boring. Nothing remotely exciting happens until 70% of the way through the book, and then it's just dribbles of action.
491 reviews7 followers
May 13, 2024
Neighbors

A dream lol. Great book this has all you need You have fantasy you have fun you have almost real life exposure in the book it is a wonderful book you need to give it a try and read IT is amazing of course look who the writer is
23 reviews
May 20, 2024
Very sweet tale

This story is as sweet as the pies 🥧 Camille bakes, and Ezra is an honorable man. Camille
is looking for a new start after being batt ered by her ex. She finds a family and home after being alone all of her life.
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
May 31, 2024
Single Daddy Bear Next Door

I thought for sure Ezra was the father. I know Camille felt the pull from the very first meeting but didn't know what it was. She was very easy going once she got on the mate train everything made sense.
Profile Image for angela gunstone.
1,857 reviews8 followers
May 31, 2024
Single daddy bear next door

Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline and can't wait to read more in this series so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Profile Image for Ellen.
425 reviews4 followers
June 2, 2024
Had sex with absolutely no discussion on pregnancy/ STDs 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️ If his younger brother is in his 40’s then he acts much younger than his age, they fell in love in 3 days. Would have been more realistic if the timeline was increased. Was a sweet read but not sure if I’ll read the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Julie.
358 reviews3 followers
July 16, 2024
Next door neighbours, secret, fated mates romance. Camille is escaping from DV. Ezra has a too perfect family & town. The dialogue between Ezra and his bear was both weird and funny.
Fav Quote:
What a perfect match, his bear said. Camille likes to bake pies and you like to eat them.
59 reviews
July 31, 2024
Single Daddy Bear Next door

The twist and turns in this book is electric .Erza and Camille went through a lot to be together. It had me up most of the night hoping for them that they will have what everyone wants . Great book.
Profile Image for Cindee Fowler.
2 reviews
August 2, 2024
HEA

I needed something light hearted and just happy. This was perfect! Just what I needed. Love an unusual meeting story, this one was definitely that. Now I'm off to read the next book in the series, I know Levi won't disappoint.
Profile Image for Mica.
156 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2024
A sweet quick read

I almost gave up on shifter romance stories because it was just Too much drama and annoying men but the this was a pleasant change. Maybe I need to stick with bear shifters.
1,240 reviews3 followers
November 26, 2024
My Book Home Sweet Home

Ah, Bear Creek, my book home sweet home. The scenery is beautiful. The shifters who live and love in Bear Creek are the best book boyfriends. Their love is steadfast and true and ever so sexy. Come stay a while and enjoy all that Bear Creek offers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews

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