Cassia Harper had sworn off romance after catching her fiancé cheating. Determined to rebuild her life, she leaves her prestigious career behind, answering an intriguing online ad for a sommelier at Bear Creek’s charming new vineyard restaurant. It seems fate has finally dealt her a winning hand—until she discovers one tiny detail: the restaurant doesn’t actually exist.

Kris Thornberg loves managing the family vineyard, but his life is missing something—a mate to share it all with. When Cassia arrives at Thornberg Vineyard, suitcase in hand, expecting a job interview, Kris quickly realizes his mischievous brothers have placed a playful ad as a joke, never anticipating anyone would take it seriously—especially not someone as perfect as Cassia.

Determined not to lose Cassia, Kris and his meddling family scramble to turn their imaginary restaurant into reality. As opening night rapidly approaches, Cassia and Kris navigate chaotic preparations, humorous mishaps, and undeniable attraction.

Can Kris convince Cassia that his love for her is real, even if the restaurant was not?

Titles in the Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard series include: The Bear’s Mail Order Mate ~ The Bear’s Blooming Mate ~ The Bear’s Reluctant Mate ~ The Bear’s Perfect Mate ~ The Bear’s Second Chance Mate ~ 

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

Title:  The Bear’s Mail Order Mate
Series:  Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard #1
Author:  Harmony Raines
Published:  April 24, 2025
My Rating:  4.5 stars

The Bear’s Mail Order Mate begins the Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard series with Cassia’s and Kris’s unexpected (perhaps magically matchmaker) romance.  One of the five Thornberg brothers, Finn, is a bit of a mischief-maker, perhaps even a prankster with the best of intentions.  During a conversation with his brothers, Finn will make up a “mail-order bride” post that may come off as a wanted-to-hire type of ad, in an effort to gently rile his brother, Kris, to get on with the mate finding (although they all know that fate works on its own timeframe).  It was a joke, never meant to be seen by anyone besides the brothers… until it somehow got magically posted, and lives were changed (for the better).

Cassia has had her life turned upside down when she catches her fiancé cheating.  He’s been sent to the curb, and she sees a help wanted post that’s absolutely perfect for her, sommelier at a new vineyard restaurant.  Perfect.  Until doubts set in upon her arrival.  There is no restaurant… yet, according to the most compelling man she’s ever met, but there will be soon if she’ll just stay and help the family create it.

So we begin the Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard series, which is connected (cousins) to the Thornberg Ranch series… and of course, to the entire Bear Creek/Bear Bluff universe.  I love this small town shifter community, and I always get happily lost in discovering a new couple’s unique story.

Kris has to scramble when his mate drives up, applying for a nonexistent position at a restaurant that doesn’t exist beyond the planning stage.  He should be annoyed that Finn’s post went live, but how can he be when it brought Cassia into his life!  His bear has definite ideas on how to keep their mate near and happy, and Kris will do everything in his power to have his mate stay… by her own choice.

I adored this couple, they’re funny, just enough standoffish, and the Thornberg family strikes once again at introducing likeable, want-to-know-more characters.  If you love an emotional, steamy, unorthodox type of shifter romance, with laughter, connections, and a couple to root for, then you’d love The Bear’s Mail Order Mate by Harmony Raines.  I know I did!

I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.

If you love this author’s work, be sure to visit our Harmony Raines page for reviews of other series, or just to discover series you might have missed.

This title is available at Amazon (affiliate link)