Bear's Chosen Mate

by Jennifer Snyder

She’s new in town, chasing a dream. He’s a grumpy local. But when someone targets her, his bear stirs—and he can't stay away.

Mila Bennett poured her life savings into a seaside restaurant, determined to build something that’s hers. A fresh start. A home. But Driftwood Cove isn’t exactly welcoming. Someone wants her gone, and the setbacks keep piling up. When a gruff, infuriatingly handsome fisherman keeps showing up to help—despite his protests—Mila isn’t sure what’s more the town’s resistance to her or the man who’s slowly becoming her anchor.

Gabe Tate lives a quiet, solitary life. He spends his days fishing, working, and letting his bear loose when the urge hits. He doesn’t do small talk. He doesn’t like newcomers. And he definitely doesn’t get involved in things that are none of his business. But something about Mila keeps pulling him in, and when the threats against her start to escalate, his bear is suddenly calling all the shots.

As sabotage escalates and pressure builds, Mila must hold her ground before everything she’s worked for slips away. And Gabe must decide if protecting her means more than keeping his distance—and his bear a secret—because if he lets her in, there may be no going back.

Bear’s Chosen Mate is Book One in the Driftwood Cove series—a cozy small-town paranormal romance series full of fated mates, coastal charm, emotional depth, and protective shifters you’ll fall hard for. If you love heartfelt stories with just enough tension to keep the pages turning, you won’t want to miss this series!

Unwind with a bite-sized, fast-paced fated mates shifter romance perfect for busy readers! This short paranormal romance story—designed to be read in under 2 hours—is packed with sizzling chemistry, heartfelt moments, and a dash of suspense, all leading to an HEA.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 25, 2025

About the author

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina where she spends most of her time writing New Adult and Young Adult Fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

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Reviews

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila has come to Driftwood Cove to fulfill her dreams only to find obstacle after obstacle. Grumpy Gabe wants nothing to do with the feisty new restaurant owner but his bear grumbles otherwise. When Mila is threatened both he and his bear step up to protect what is theirs. I loved seeing where Maribel settled. Great start to a this new series and I always enjoy escaping into one of Jennifer’s books.

[Starla B · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I'm excited about a new town, and a new set of shifters. I especially love the bear shifters, so I'm very excited for what the rest will bring. I think I've already identified at least a couple of the MCs for future books. I can't wait to see if I am right!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book !!! Really liked all the characters!!! For some reason I like the bear shifters better 😁… I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I really liked the story line !!!! A definite read and plus Jennifer Snyder is an amazing author !!!! This was an ARC !!

[Bev · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. A rundown grill. A grumpy fisherman. Shapeshifters. A damaged restaurant. And finding love in a small seaside town.

[Sherryle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this story. it's filled with so much. I think it ties in with many of the other Crescent Creek series & I'm looking forward to more. Thanks Jennifer!!

[Nikki Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Mila buys a rundown restaurant, determined to bring it back to life, she never expected there to be trouble. Gabe, a loner, finds himself with a dilemma, do as his bear wants and help and protect Mila, or walk away. A beautiful introduction to Driftwood Cove where we see the good and are introduced to the bad of the town. Jam-packed with drama, this short story contains all that you would expect and more. I have really enjoyed Jennifer Snyder's other series and if this one is anything to go by, this series will be just as good, if not better. Really looking forward to the next one.

[Shifter Haven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed at Shifter Haven

Bear’s Chosen Mate begins the Driftwood Cove series, short stories that are meant to be devoured in just a few hours – perfect for lunch or dinner break reading time.

Mila has bought a restaurant in a small coastal town, intending to follow her dream with a fresh start. Unfortunately, she’s about to step into danger when both she and her new restaurant are the focus of damage and threats. She gets that this close-knit community sees her as an outsider, but this goes beyond mere dislike.

Gabe is a fisherman, a businessman, and a bear shifter who definitely gives Mila the cold shoulder upon first meeting… even if his bear is annoyed and trying to tell Gabe they’ve found their mate. Nope, not gonna happen, or will it?

I enjoyed Bear’s Chosen Mate by Jennifer Snyder. It’s well-written (but I’m never disappointed by this author), steamy, and a satisfying, quick read with enough danger and suspense to keep things lively.

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a feeling Driftwood Cove is going to be a highly engaging and eventful series. From the start you get sucked into its clutches when Mila sinks everything into revitalizing a restaurant, site-unseen. It's not what she's expecting. Then there's Gabe, the Bear shifter/fisherman who previously supplied the restaurant because they were friends (and fellow shifters). Their first meeting is... rough. Things go downhill for Mila from there, seems she isn't welcomed by everyone in the small Port community. Gabe's bear is on edge and Mila's frusterated. It's up to Gabe to decide if he's going to step up to help, or let her continue to be tormented until she folds.

[Janette Gellar · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing about me is I absolutely LOVE bear shifter romance stories! Gabe is such a good bear! He's the perfect mixture of grumpy, gruff bear and cinnamon roll lover! Mila is a woman on a mission. She had a dream of owning her own restaurant and took a chance unfortunately someone isn't overjoyed that she is in town. I'm betting that I'll Driftwood Cove as much as I loved her Crescent Creek series. I would have given the book 5 stars if there was just a little longer. I like short stories but I would have liked to see more of what made Mila love Gabe.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila came to town for a fresh start and a new buisness running a seaside restaurant, but someone wants her gone. Gabe is a bear shifter, grunpy and alone hes happy to fish and he doesnt like new comers but Mila brings out something in his ear and keeping her safe when threats escalate will she discover his truth and fun? Well written engaging fast paced, steamy, small town, shifter romance

[Sara Oxton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila and Gabe will sweep you into their story. The setting of Driftwood cove is just delightful; you will want to run in and be part of the cove. This is a quick read, but you get sucked in and feel the sense of community. I am excited to see who we will meet next in the Driftwood cove series, as they all have amazing stories and will wow you.

[June McKibben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mila and Gabes story has me hooked and wanting more from the series. Mila buys a restaurant in Driftwood but doesn't get a worm welcome. As she tries to build something for her life she is targeted and gets pushed back. Her courage and determination is something that just kept me reading. I love how Gabe steps in and the bond that is forming. Need more.

[Jennifer Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story

It was a great story. I loved the concept, but hated that it was such a quick read. I didn’t notice it was a novella before I picked it up. It had a HEA and it had the protective mate thing going for it.

[Cindy Hardegree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mila and Gabe

I found this story to be a quick read, sweet and sexy. Gave was a grumpy bear, literally, but I liked him. Mila, determined, kind, a human, and drawn to Gabe, determined to run this restaurant.

[Pammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet and 🌶️🌶️🌶️

I enjoyed this quick read. Not to serious. With a shorter novel things mover quiker so things just kind of get skipped over.