When a grumpy ex-military bear shifter gets trapped in a bathroom with a fearless romance novelist, their unexpected chemistry threatens to burn down all his carefully built walls.

Bernard Jacobs has sworn off love after one too many heartbreaks, content to run his tavern and keep everyone at arm’s length. But when the city council threatens to ban the beach bonfires that helped him heal from PTSD, he’s forced to partner with Giselle Larson, a passionate writer with ever-changing hair colors and zero fear of his massive Kodiak bear form.

Giselle never expected organizing a grassroots campaign would involve falling for the most stubborn, attractive man she’s ever met. As their partnership deepens through strategy sessions and heated city council meetings, the attraction between them becomes impossible to ignore. From a spontaneous victory kiss that changes everything to weekend getaways filled with wine and passion, they must navigate their deepening feelings while fighting for their community’s heart and soul.

But when Bernard’s fear of heartbreak threatens to push Giselle away, can their blazing connection survive long enough for him to realize that the greatest victory isn’t saving the bonfires, but winning her heart forever?

Titles in the Branwen Beach Tavern Shifters series include:  Her Ex-Military Wolf Shifter ~ Her Ex-Military Hawk Shifter ~ Her Ex-Military Bobcat Shifter ~ Her Ex-Military Wolverine Shifter ~ Her Ex-Military Coyote Shifter ~ Her Ex-Military Moose Shifter ~ Her Ex-Military Cougar Shifter ~ Her Ex-Military Bear Shifter ~

This story may include language, potential violence, and/or sexual content intended for an adult audience 18+.

Title:  Her Ex-Military Bear Shifter
Series:  Branwen Beach Tavern Shifters #8
Author:  Kat Vroman
Published:  March 16, 2026
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Her Ex-Military Bear Shifter is the eighth (and final) story in the Branwen Beach Tavern Shifters series.  If you look at some retail sites, you’ll see that 11 books are listed for this series.  Book 9 is a bundle of titles 1-4, Book 10 is a bundle of titles 5-8, and Book 11 is the complete series in one spot… the point of this?  You haven’t missed any titles in the series if (like I have) you stop at Book 8, the final tale from the Branwen Beach Tavern.  I’ve enjoyed this series so much, and it’s always (for me) a slightly bittersweet moment when the last page closes on the final book in a series.  But then, there is also looking forward to whatever tales Ms. Vroman brings us next.

Bernard and Giselle are the final chef’s kiss of this series.  He’s closed off to romantic relationships; heartbreak has taught him a hard lesson.  His tavern has, in many ways, become the love of his life, as the tavern and the bonfires on the beach have healed him of the trauma of his military service.  When those bonfires on the beach are threatened to be stopped by the town council, he’ll find help in a most unusual person… and perhaps, finally, will let love into his heart once again.  But that means trusting, taking risks, and he might just push Giselle away before acknowledging that lifetime love.

Giselle isn’t one bit intimidated by Bernard’s bear or his attitude.  She might not have expected to fall for him, but fighting for the tavern that has saved his life together has given her insight into the man he truly is… and the man she’ll fight to keep at her side.

Giselle and Bernard’s story is a delightful, satisfying tale to tie up this series.  It’s well-written, so emotional and passionate, proving that age is no indicator of a person’s heart’s depth.  I’ve enjoyed my time in this world and would not hesitate to recommend any or all of the titles in the Branwen Beach Tavern Shifters series.  Indulge yourself and enjoy.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon