What do you think?
Rate this book
Protection, Inc: Defenders & Friends #1
Splashing Through the Snow
The only way to break his curse is to bring his mate to the Defenders holiday party. Too bad she hates the holidays.
Norris loves his unusual shift form. What marine paleontologist wouldn't want to turn into a giant prehistoric fish? When he meets his mate Annabeth, a brilliant and beautiful barista studying to be a marine biologist, love hits him like a tidal wave. What could possibly go wrong with a fated romance at the happiest time of the year?
First, there's the curse.
He's turning into an enormous armored fish at the most inconvenient times, and she has no idea that shifters or curses even exist. And the only way to break the curse is to reawaken Annabeth to the magic of Christmas. Not to mention Hanukkah. And Winter Solstice. And...
Then, there's the grinch.
Ever since a truly terrible day last December, Annabeth has hated winter holidays. All of them. It doesn't help that she has to wear an elf hat to work. But everything turns around when Norris steps into her coffee shop. He makes her feel as warm inside as a marshmallow toasting over an open fire. So why does he keep suddenly running away? And why does he seem so disappointed when she tells him he can take her anywhere... except to a winter holiday party?
And with friends like these...
In between preparing for the holiday party and fending off "help" from their flying kittens and other magical pets, the Defenders are delighted to help Norris court his mate and break his curse. Or maybe that should be "help..."
The Defenders are back in this hilarious and heartwarming shifter holiday romcom, packed with Christmas cheer, Hanukkah happiness, Diwali delight, and Winter Solstice wonder.
Splashing Through the Snow is a complete, standalone holiday romantic comedy with a happily ever after. It contains minor spoilers for Defender Hellhound and Defender Chimera related to Norris's appearances in those books. If you want to avoid all spoilers, please read those books first.
Norris loves his unusual shift form. What marine paleontologist wouldn't want to turn into a giant prehistoric fish? When he meets his mate Annabeth, a brilliant and beautiful barista studying to be a marine biologist, love hits him like a tidal wave. What could possibly go wrong with a fated romance at the happiest time of the year?
First, there's the curse.
He's turning into an enormous armored fish at the most inconvenient times, and she has no idea that shifters or curses even exist. And the only way to break the curse is to reawaken Annabeth to the magic of Christmas. Not to mention Hanukkah. And Winter Solstice. And...
Then, there's the grinch.
Ever since a truly terrible day last December, Annabeth has hated winter holidays. All of them. It doesn't help that she has to wear an elf hat to work. But everything turns around when Norris steps into her coffee shop. He makes her feel as warm inside as a marshmallow toasting over an open fire. So why does he keep suddenly running away? And why does he seem so disappointed when she tells him he can take her anywhere... except to a winter holiday party?
And with friends like these...
In between preparing for the holiday party and fending off "help" from their flying kittens and other magical pets, the Defenders are delighted to help Norris court his mate and break his curse. Or maybe that should be "help..."
The Defenders are back in this hilarious and heartwarming shifter holiday romcom, packed with Christmas cheer, Hanukkah happiness, Diwali delight, and Winter Solstice wonder.
Splashing Through the Snow is a complete, standalone holiday romantic comedy with a happily ever after. It contains minor spoilers for Defender Hellhound and Defender Chimera related to Norris's appearances in those books. If you want to avoid all spoilers, please read those books first.
127 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 15, 2023
155 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Chant
330 books1,498 followersZoe Chant loves writing paranormal romance. Over a cup of tea (or something stronger) she whips up sexy tales of hunky heroes and adventurous heroines to tantalize and satisfy her readers. Sizzling hot romance, no cliffhangers!
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 17, 2023
Can a man find his mate fast?
I loved this and it was pretty funny in a few spots. The only problem I c is that everyone else had some kind of magical animal but 4 sum unknown reason, neither of them do. They should have gotten a couple pets 2 like everyone else did. I sooooooo hope that Roland will get his book asap!! He needs it badly!! Overall, it wasn't as life changing like fighting good vs. Evil like all the rest of them was but with the holidays, it was a more relaxed x 2 get others 2 c and believe in the magic. What kind of magic? That's the question... Read and find out urself.
I loved this and it was pretty funny in a few spots. The only problem I c is that everyone else had some kind of magical animal but 4 sum unknown reason, neither of them do. They should have gotten a couple pets 2 like everyone else did. I sooooooo hope that Roland will get his book asap!! He needs it badly!! Overall, it wasn't as life changing like fighting good vs. Evil like all the rest of them was but with the holidays, it was a more relaxed x 2 get others 2 c and believe in the magic. What kind of magic? That's the question... Read and find out urself.
December 16, 2023
Wonderful book!!
I was so glad to find this book. It was just the best book as it brought the Defenders back and included the prehistoric fish from some of the other books. Norris, the fish, finds his mate. There are some things that would be spoilers, so I will not do that for anyone who would like to read this book. But if you've read any of Zoe's books you will enjoy this book.
I was so glad to find this book. It was just the best book as it brought the Defenders back and included the prehistoric fish from some of the other books. Norris, the fish, finds his mate. There are some things that would be spoilers, so I will not do that for anyone who would like to read this book. But if you've read any of Zoe's books you will enjoy this book.
December 26, 2023
This was a good shifter romance novella, the first in a spin-off series of the Protection, Inc: Defenders series -- Protection, Inc: Defenders & Friends. It can be read standalone, but will be much more enjoyable if you read the original Protection, Inc. and Protection Inc: Defenders series first (both of those series contain characters mentioned in this series). You should definitely read at least the Protection Inc: Defenders books first, as they introduce Norris, and provide his background. They also mention Annabeth, who is his mate.
I liked Norris, and loved that he absolutely adored his unusual shift form. I won't give spoilers, but he was genuinely a nice guy, who just happened to get involved with bad people -- he didn't know they were evil when he first got involved with them.
I liked Annabeth, too, and thought it was great that she and Norris had so much in common. Her family holiday traditions were interesting, and I was glad when Norris and the Defenders helped her to stary enjoying them again.
I absolutely loved the cute magical animals in this book, and in the other Protection, Inc series. They were creative, and so much fun!
One problem I have with all of Zoe Chant's series is that there is so long between books. Lots of times I have to go back and reread some of the earlier books in a series, simply because it has been so long that I don't remember all the characters. That is frustrating. I know Zoe Chant is actually a group of authors, and one person writes all the books in a series -- but I wish the books in a series could be published closer together. In this case, it seems like there should have been a book for Roland by now, since the first Protection Inc: Defenders book was published in 2019. I really want to read his story, too.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I liked Norris, and loved that he absolutely adored his unusual shift form. I won't give spoilers, but he was genuinely a nice guy, who just happened to get involved with bad people -- he didn't know they were evil when he first got involved with them.
I liked Annabeth, too, and thought it was great that she and Norris had so much in common. Her family holiday traditions were interesting, and I was glad when Norris and the Defenders helped her to stary enjoying them again.
I absolutely loved the cute magical animals in this book, and in the other Protection, Inc series. They were creative, and so much fun!
One problem I have with all of Zoe Chant's series is that there is so long between books. Lots of times I have to go back and reread some of the earlier books in a series, simply because it has been so long that I don't remember all the characters. That is frustrating. I know Zoe Chant is actually a group of authors, and one person writes all the books in a series -- but I wish the books in a series could be published closer together. In this case, it seems like there should have been a book for Roland by now, since the first Protection Inc: Defenders book was published in 2019. I really want to read his story, too.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
January 4, 2024
Yay! Norris finds his mate!
Nothing like watching a giant ancient armored fish shifter find his mate! This is such a great story, except it seems that meeting his mate brought his curse back. The witch who cured him the first time said he had to bring her to the Defender's holiday party to get cured. However, Annabeth can't stand the holidays and doesn't want to go to the party. So what does Norris have to do, but try to turn her back onto the holidays! Will he succeed, or is he going to have to stay near a body of water in case of surprise changes?
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character centered storyline that has steamy suggestions but no real details. The characters are vibrant and endearing. I recommend you read Protection, Inc series in order first and then the Defenders series in order before this story. Now we need to see Roland find his mate. He is definitely due! This is a great shifter romance set of series. Enjoy!
Nothing like watching a giant ancient armored fish shifter find his mate! This is such a great story, except it seems that meeting his mate brought his curse back. The witch who cured him the first time said he had to bring her to the Defender's holiday party to get cured. However, Annabeth can't stand the holidays and doesn't want to go to the party. So what does Norris have to do, but try to turn her back onto the holidays! Will he succeed, or is he going to have to stay near a body of water in case of surprise changes?
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character centered storyline that has steamy suggestions but no real details. The characters are vibrant and endearing. I recommend you read Protection, Inc series in order first and then the Defenders series in order before this story. Now we need to see Roland find his mate. He is definitely due! This is a great shifter romance set of series. Enjoy!
February 6, 2024
I think I might be officially over Defenders Inc as a series - this was a cute story, and I love that it was inclusive around its winter holidays. But also, I felt like I was reading it just to have read it, and it was a relief to get to the end of it.
Neither of the characters really grabbed me (although, now I think about it, it WAS good to get the backstory on the whole deal with the sofa in Merlin's story, so I'm awarding an extra half-star for that tie-in), and the whole 'turning into a prehistoric fish at random times' plot schtick got old quickly - as did blue and the chaos of the flying kittens.
Which isn't to say this was a bad story: if teeth-achingly cute pets and sweet, closed-door shifter romance are what you're looking for, you'll probably enjoy this instalment. But it felt like a case of "it's not you, it's me" for me in reading this - I think this series is just not a me-one any more.
Neither of the characters really grabbed me (although, now I think about it, it WAS good to get the backstory on the whole deal with the sofa in Merlin's story, so I'm awarding an extra half-star for that tie-in), and the whole 'turning into a prehistoric fish at random times' plot schtick got old quickly - as did blue and the chaos of the flying kittens.
Which isn't to say this was a bad story: if teeth-achingly cute pets and sweet, closed-door shifter romance are what you're looking for, you'll probably enjoy this instalment. But it felt like a case of "it's not you, it's me" for me in reading this - I think this series is just not a me-one any more.
December 20, 2023
Norris!
Norris isn't a Defender. He's a scientist, a little socially maladept, but a total cinnamon roll. I love how easy it was for him to connect with his mate. The conflict is that she hates Christmas parties and he needs to get her to one. The way the Defenders help him bring her winter spirit is fabulous, and the sheer number of winter holidays included is amazing.
Please note: despite the cover, Norris is a dunkelosteus (giant armored fish), not a shark.
Norris isn't a Defender. He's a scientist, a little socially maladept, but a total cinnamon roll. I love how easy it was for him to connect with his mate. The conflict is that she hates Christmas parties and he needs to get her to one. The way the Defenders help him bring her winter spirit is fabulous, and the sheer number of winter holidays included is amazing.
Please note: despite the cover, Norris is a dunkelosteus (giant armored fish), not a shark.
March 6, 2024
Fish boy and his fishgirl.....
Annabeth is a barista that hates the Christmas holidays. Norris is a shifter who just met his mate. Annabeth falls for Norris right away. When he tells her what he is and then shows her she is fascinated. With the help of the defenders, Norris restores Annabeth's love of the holidays. A very good addition to the series. I definitely recommend it.
Annabeth is a barista that hates the Christmas holidays. Norris is a shifter who just met his mate. Annabeth falls for Norris right away. When he tells her what he is and then shows her she is fascinated. With the help of the defenders, Norris restores Annabeth's love of the holidays. A very good addition to the series. I definitely recommend it.
May 9, 2024
Brilliant Series
SplashingThrough the Snow (Protection, Inc: Defenders & Friends) by Zoe Chant. Annabeth hated holidays because of the way her ex dumped her at Christmas. When Dunkleosteus Norris and Annabeth met they both felt the attraction but he needed her to love festive holidays to break the curse he had on him. He needed the help of his Protection, Inc friends.
SplashingThrough the Snow (Protection, Inc: Defenders & Friends) by Zoe Chant. Annabeth hated holidays because of the way her ex dumped her at Christmas. When Dunkleosteus Norris and Annabeth met they both felt the attraction but he needed her to love festive holidays to break the curse he had on him. He needed the help of his Protection, Inc friends.
December 17, 2023
Good read
Norris finds his mate is Annabelle a woman with a history with the Defenders. She is anti holidays because of her past and Norris has to return the joy of the season to her life. Our favorite Defenders and their magical pets lend a helping hand.
Norris finds his mate is Annabelle a woman with a history with the Defenders. She is anti holidays because of her past and Norris has to return the joy of the season to her life. Our favorite Defenders and their magical pets lend a helping hand.
December 19, 2023
Yes! A HEA for Norris!
Norris became a favorite of mine ever since the bayou... And his mate story is wonderful! Good to see that gang again, and Blossom is adorable! Now, let's get the big boss his mate, please? Can't wait...
Norris became a favorite of mine ever since the bayou... And his mate story is wonderful! Good to see that gang again, and Blossom is adorable! Now, let's get the big boss his mate, please? Can't wait...
December 23, 2023
Awesome
Had a big smile on my face from the beginning to the end!!!! Zoe Chant, you always perk up my day whenever I read one of your books. Thank you so much for such fantastic stories!!!!
Had a big smile on my face from the beginning to the end!!!! Zoe Chant, you always perk up my day whenever I read one of your books. Thank you so much for such fantastic stories!!!!
December 30, 2023
Always a great read
Love this author, have just about every book written or have read them.good story line,very cute,funny.if you want to be taken away from worries and just life to relax ,she would be the author.
Love this author, have just about every book written or have read them.good story line,very cute,funny.if you want to be taken away from worries and just life to relax ,she would be the author.
December 30, 2023
Fun fun fun!
I liked Norris when we really got to know him in Carter & Fen's book, so I was looking forward to meeting his mate. As usual, I was charmed & entertained by the book.
When is Roland's turn?
I liked Norris when we really got to know him in Carter & Fen's book, so I was looking forward to meeting his mate. As usual, I was charmed & entertained by the book.
When is Roland's turn?
December 30, 2023
Charming Holiday Fun!
Norris’ story was just as amazing as I’d hoped it would be. He’s such a sweetheart and I love Annabeth. It was great catching up with the Defenders and seeing how they’ve been.
Norris’ story was just as amazing as I’d hoped it would be. He’s such a sweetheart and I love Annabeth. It was great catching up with the Defenders and seeing how they’ve been.
January 3, 2024
Slam 'dunk'
Welcome treat learning Norris's mate Annabelle's backstory, a lesser character from Merlin's book. Are the closing pages before the epilogue a hint of Zoe's next storyline?
Welcome treat learning Norris's mate Annabelle's backstory, a lesser character from Merlin's book. Are the closing pages before the epilogue a hint of Zoe's next storyline?
August 7, 2024
cute
Splashing through the snow a protection inc: Defenders & friends is another great story of minor twists and turns which gives the reader a chance to understand what might occur next.
Splashing through the snow a protection inc: Defenders & friends is another great story of minor twists and turns which gives the reader a chance to understand what might occur next.
December 24, 2024
Fun Holiday Read
This was a super fun holiday read. A story set in the Defenders world that I didn't know I needed Morris gets a mate and Annabeth is perfect for him. I loved these to together and this story.
This was a super fun holiday read. A story set in the Defenders world that I didn't know I needed Morris gets a mate and Annabeth is perfect for him. I loved these to together and this story.
December 15, 2023
Splashing through the snow
What a wonderful ending for Norris! A perfect addition to the Defenders story. Can't wait for the next installment of the series!
What a wonderful ending for Norris! A perfect addition to the Defenders story. Can't wait for the next installment of the series!
December 16, 2023
Great story
Loved seeing characters from.previous books.
I enjoyed the way winter festivities were included.
Very sweet story
I enjoyed it very much
Loved seeing characters from.previous books.
I enjoyed the way winter festivities were included.
Very sweet story
I enjoyed it very much
December 16, 2023
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
December 17, 2023
So cute!
Perfect shifter Christmas story! Loved seeing the huge fish again. And the rest of the Defenders too, including the magical pets. Great read!
Perfect shifter Christmas story! Loved seeing the huge fish again. And the rest of the Defenders too, including the magical pets. Great read!
December 17, 2023
Cute, fun story with a fated mate, true love, and the best ever revenge on an ex. Still chuckling over that one!
December 19, 2023
😁😁😁😁😁
What a fun read. A very different take on shifters and how they happened. This entire Protection, Inc. series makes me chuckle!
What a fun read. A very different take on shifters and how they happened. This entire Protection, Inc. series makes me chuckle!
December 21, 2023
I was so glad
I'm glad Norris got a book. I liked his story. Annabeth is the perfect mate, it was fun getting to know her story. The revenge plot was hilarious 😂
I'm glad Norris got a book. I liked his story. Annabeth is the perfect mate, it was fun getting to know her story. The revenge plot was hilarious 😂
December 23, 2023
Norris meets his mate
Norris an extinct fish shifter has been cursed to be unable to control his shift. To break his curse he must attend the Shifter holiday party with his mate.
Norris an extinct fish shifter has been cursed to be unable to control his shift. To break his curse he must attend the Shifter holiday party with his mate.
December 24, 2023
A perfect Christmas story.
I love that Zoe Chant brought together two of my favorite side characters for their own HEA. Well written and an absolutely perfect ending. <3
I love that Zoe Chant brought together two of my favorite side characters for their own HEA. Well written and an absolutely perfect ending. <3
January 1, 2024
Sweet
I love that Norris finally got his HEA. This was such a sweet story. I hope to be able to sneak a glimpse of this couple later.
I love that Norris finally got his HEA. This was such a sweet story. I hope to be able to sneak a glimpse of this couple later.
January 4, 2024
Sweet and cozy
Short and sweet holiday read, with all the craziness of the Defenders. No spice, but plenty of romance. Highly recommend!
Short and sweet holiday read, with all the craziness of the Defenders. No spice, but plenty of romance. Highly recommend!
January 5, 2024
Review
I could read these stories forever! I was always waiting and watching for the next story. Will Roland ever get his story! Can't wait.
I could read these stories forever! I was always waiting and watching for the next story. Will Roland ever get his story! Can't wait.
January 19, 2024
wonderful
I loved the progress of Norris meeting Annabeth I was heart warming and absolutely hilarious I hope the next book has Roland’s mate
I loved the progress of Norris meeting Annabeth I was heart warming and absolutely hilarious I hope the next book has Roland’s mate
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews