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 surprising: 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.

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)

Titles in the Driftwood Cove series include: Bear’s Chosen Mate ~ Wolf’s Rescued Mate (Sept. 2025) ~ Coyote’s Fated Mate (Nov. 2025)

This is an adult 18+ story that contains language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Title:  Bear’s Chosen Mate
Series:  Driftwood Cove #1
Author:  Jennifer Snyder
Published:  August 25, 2025
My Rating:  4.5 stars

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.

If you enjoy this author’s work, please visit our Jennifer Snyder page for titles that have been reviewed here at Shifter Haven, or perhaps titles you’ve missed over time.