One mistaken message from his brother Finn, and Stanley Thornberg ends up at the wrong garden… staring into the eyes of his fated mate.  Yes—it’s another of Finn’s matchmaking mix-ups. And Stanley couldn’t be happier.

But something in those eyes, in the way June fiercely shields her son, makes him hold back. Revealing their connection too soon could spook her—and losing her would be unbearable. So he waits. Helps. Proves, day by day, that she and Oli belong in Bear Creek… and in his life.

“You can’t be mates.”

That’s what June’s Aunt Barb tells her. But no one warned her how impossible it would be to ignore the instant attraction she feels toward Bear Creek’s handsome pet store owner—or the way her shy son comes alive around him. Still, June’s been burned before, and she won’t risk her heart or Oli’s stability on a man who might not stay.

Or worse—might only be interested in her until his real mate comes along.  When secrets surface, June must decide if she’s ready to believe in fate… and in the bear shifter who’s already claimed her heart.

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 ~ The Bear’s Matchmaking Mix-up 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 Second Chance Mate
Series:  Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard #5
Author:  Harmony Raines
Published:  August 14, 2025
My Rating:  4.5 stars

The Bear’s Second Chance Mate is the fifth title in The Bear Creek Forever: Thornberg Vineyard series.  This time, Finn’s matchmaking abilities flare up again when he sends his brother, Stanley, to the wrong address to help a stray rabbit, and finds his fated mate, June, and her son, Oli.  The happiest day ever for Stanley and his bear, only… It’s complicated, because when was it ever a simple thing when the Thornberg brothers find their mates?

Oli is really the star of this story, in so many ways.  I was just as invested in his journey as I was in June and Stanley’s romance.  Oli is neurodivergent, which in the simplest terms means his brain processes information differently.  I loved how Stanley (and his bear) interacted with Oli, never talking down to him, yet making certain he had the time and the quietness to process information without ever overwhelming him.  I enjoyed his interaction with Charlie, and I hope we’ll get to see these cousins-by-marriage develop their friendship in Finn’s story… or their own, one day.

Stanley is being overcautious about telling June that they are mates, or even that he is a shifter.  In his mind, slow is best, yet slow also gives others time to voice their opinions, wanted or not. His hesitation might risk him losing what he needs most, June and Oli, in his life, forever.

I loved The Bear’s Second Chance Mate by Harmony Raines so much.  It’s a well-written, sensitive, emotional shifter romance with a couple to root for and a little boy to love.  If that’s your kind of shifter romance, then you’d love June, Stanley, and Oli.

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)