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Small Town Shifter Romance

A single mom looking for a fresh start. A bear shifter longing for his fated mate. A match made in Bear Creek!

Single mom, Nicole, has always been a survivor. When Mila’s father rejected her the moment he discovered she was pregnant, she learned to stand on her own two feet. She built a life around her daughter, creating a world filled with love even when her own heart was shattered. Now, with a new job at the co-op in the small town of Bear Creek, Nicole hopes this fresh start will bring them closer together. But with Mila struggling to adjust, Nicole worries that moving away from their old life might have driven a wedge between them.

But all this changes when a scruffy stray puppy enters their lives, and—unexpectedly—introduces them to Klein Thornberg, the rugged rancher whose kindness and quiet strength make Nicole feel seen for the first time in years.
Klein has spent too long watching from the sidelines as his brothers find their fated mates, build families, and live the life he’s always dreamed of. With his brother Jay still estranged and missing, Klein knows better than most how precious family is. He longs for a mate, for children of his own, for the kind of love his parents shared.

And then she’s there, like some miracle. His mate.

But nothing is ever simple. As Mila makes new friends and Nicole dives into her new role at the co-op, everything starts to fall into place—except Nicole’s heart. She tells herself she’s not ready for love, that Klein is just a rebound. She needs to focus on Mila, on her career, on keeping her new life steady. But her resolve weakens every time Klein smiles at her, every time he shows her what family truly means.

Just when it seems like Nicole might finally let down her walls, her past comes crashing back. When Mila’s father arrives in town, old wounds reopen and doubts resurface. Can Nicole and Klein’s blossoming love survive the upheaval? Or will the ghosts of her past steal away the happiness they’ve both fought so hard to find?

Join Nicole and Klein in a heartwarming story of second chances, fated love, and the healing power of family. Perfect for readers who love small-town romance, sweet shifter stories, and happily-ever-afters filled with hope and healing.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2025

465 people are currently reading
21 people want to read

About the author

Harmony Raines

294 books702 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
343 (64%)
4 stars
134 (25%)
3 stars
47 (8%)
2 stars
4 (<1%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Profile Image for Kate.
2,570 reviews6 followers
April 18, 2025
**********Contains Spoilers**********

I really enjoyed this book. I thought that it was another good addition 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. I thought Klein & Nicole were good together. When Nicole and her teenage daughter Mila move to Bear Creek for Nicole’s new job at the local co-op, the last thing she expected was to find her happily ever after. She’s raised Mila by herself since Mila’s father rejected her when she told him she was pregnant. Nicole’s done an amazing job raising Mila, as she’s an amazing human being.

Fate sure knew what they were doing matching them together. I really don’t think Mila missed out on much in the father department as he seems like a pretentious a*sehole lol, but I do think it’s great that Nicole allowed Mila to make the decision if she wants to start spending time with him or not, as she cares about Mila’s happiness. Fate gave her an amazing dad in Klein. Mila & Finley are total bestie goals. I’m really looking forward to reading Jay’s story next and finding out why he left, where he’s been and what happened to him? I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
1,283 reviews9 followers
March 3, 2025
Great book that leaves you wanting to get your hands on #6 NOW!

Nicole moves to Bear Creek with her daughter Mila. At their new house Mila finds a hurt puppy. They take the puppy to the vet Tammy and meet her brother-in-law to be Klein. Klein is in shock because Nicole is his mate! This is all in the first few chapters! But what will happen when she finds out about shifters and fated mates? And then Mila's father shows up! What's a bear to do?

The pace is fast and the tone is uncertain yet hopeful with a character centered storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and endearing. This is a great addition to this series. Read the series in order to get the most from it. There is a lot more, if you want to start at the beginning. Start with the Bear Bluff and Bear Creek box set, then read the Return to Bear Bluff box set and then the many Return to Bear Creek box sets and single titles. Then there are a ton of other series set in and around Bear Creek and Bear Bluff, I count this series Bear Creek Forever as #13 of all the series. Enjoy this sweet and sexy shifter romance!
Profile Image for Schellie.
868 reviews
March 21, 2025
Back in Bear Creek for Henry & Samantha's story. She is a widow with 2 young children, moving across country to start over. Henry is the firefighter who has to tell her the house they were to move into, was severely damaged in the storm that just rolled through.
Devastated, she feels the need to run back home, but Henry offers his house on Thornberg Ranch, while he stays at the main house. Can he convince his mate that though her fears are valid, its okay to move on & find love again, with him? Tilly & Lewis are in love with the ranch life & have definitely come out of their shell, that may help her decision.
This story was sweet, sexy, a bit steamy & filled with a huge family intent on convincing her shes making the right choice. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,427 reviews19 followers
April 8, 2025
Good read

I enjoyed the next book in the series. It wasn't one of my favorites but still good.

I felt like there were some things missing. I wanted to read of the moment Mila finds out Finely is a lion and Klein is a bear!!!! But it just mentions her finding out in the epilogue. And only about finlay. I was hoping for some bonding moment between her and Klein. And the annoying ex came and went but it seemed like it was just in there just to make a little drama. I didn't feel these characters like I enjoyed the others.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,340 reviews46 followers
April 26, 2025
Easy read with nothing different from previous stories in this series.
Though we do go to a family vineyard/winery, so maybe those cousins will be getting their mates next.
Rinse and repeat.
Once again we get no explanation or show, when an ex turns up out of the blue claiming HIS family.
Why after 16 years of his denial and absence from her life, does Mila want to know him? Ho only showed up when she was in the papers.
I also hope that photo does not cause Finlay any problems.
Obviously the fallen hiker will be Jay, the long lost brother.
Read through kindle unlimited.
136 reviews
October 2, 2025
Too Wordy and A Bit Boring

Harmony Raines is a "Hit or Miss". This segment is definitely a "Miss". It was difficult to follow the thread due to so much repetitive sentences and just plain fillers. The substance was lacking and lost in the jumble of fillers. At this point I am skipping next book in series and possibly rest of series.

As always I comment the authors for sharing their talent. Am also thankful for Amazon providing Kindle Unlimited for us. On to next book from my list.
1,233 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2025
Another Thornberg Meets His Mate

Klein is the last bear shifter at the Thornberg ranch to find his mate. Nicole and her daughter Mila are new to Bear Creek. Klein's thrilled she has arrived, but how will Nicole react to falling in love with a man who can shift in to a bear? Do they have a future together? Grab a copy of this story and enjoy a Bear Creek happy ending.
Profile Image for Jo Adams.
345 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2025
Ok

All the series has the same outline really,so gets a bit boring.

Also the author seems to have forgotten characters names! The last brother was named wyatt in first book and now in bk 4 & 5 he's called Jay but in bk 1 Jay was a cousin!
Also seems to have forgotten that camilie was pregnant and baby would be waaaaaaaaaay overdue now!
Profile Image for Robin Ann.
1,379 reviews3 followers
April 24, 2025
Another One Finds His Mate

Another Bear Creek romance. This is an Insta love as with all shifters, only she feels the mate bond also. It was a nice romantic read as they get to know each other and experience the bond as they fall deeper in love. After.a small hiccup, they get their HEA.
95 reviews
March 4, 2025
Love

Another Thornburg gets a mate. Kevin is adorable so is his bear.
I love Mila. I hope she is Finley as mate. I cannot wait for their story.
Looking forward to Jay's,Phillips and Kris.
I love this family
412 reviews2 followers
March 6, 2025
Bearly Ever After

Klein has been worried that he would never find his mate, until she came to town with her daughter. They work their way through old hurts and deceit, to forge a new life filled with love.
Profile Image for Laurie Gyd.
1,966 reviews9 followers
March 14, 2025
love grows

“The trees grow here because of the spring,” Klein explained as they stepped under the green canopy and into the shade. The air cooled instantly and the eagle’s cry was replaced by the rustle of leaves and the gurgle of a nearby stream.
1,046 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2025
Nicole and Mila move to Bear Creek for Nicole's new job

Klein immediately recognises that Nicole is his mate. Nicole and Mila love him from the start. The Thornbergs welcome them to their family.
891 reviews2 followers
March 19, 2025
So Good

I really enjoy the stories in this series. Klein is a bear shifter hoping to find his mate. Nicole along with her daughter, Mila are starting a new life in Bear Creek. When they meet it's an instant attraction. It was such a good story.
1,656 reviews
April 8, 2025
Brilliant Series

Nearly Ever After (Bear Creek Forever Book 5) by Harmony Raines. Klein is desperate for his mate and when Nicole and her daughter Mila came to Bear Creek he knew he had found his mate.
1,377 reviews
April 9, 2025
Taking a Chance

Love the Best Creek Series (yes, plural for series). Each book is a great read -- romance, fated mates, complications, warmth, family and friends. Go to books for first reads and rereads. Bravo!
712 reviews
May 11, 2025
Love this series ❤️

I really am enjoying this book 📚 series, it is filled with family, friendship, loyalty, romance and love 💞 There are times when you just want to get away from all the negativity around you and what better way for me is a good romance novel.
Profile Image for Rita Whinfield.
1,577 reviews
April 8, 2025
Loved it

These Thornberg boys are so wonderful. I know it’s all make believe, but it makes me wish for my own Thornberg.
490 reviews7 followers
Read
April 24, 2025
Come ride away

Wonderful dream you could have if you read this book, it is a life we have I wish lol are could have,it would definitely amazing
1,464 reviews3 followers
July 24, 2025
Good read

Really good 👍 story Relaxing intriguing and suspenseful Could not put it down Looking forward to the next story Thank you
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews

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