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“A change is as good as a holiday?” Whoever said that obviously wasn’t being chased by deadly shifters, instead of frolicking on the beach…
Maisie’s been working long, grueling hours as an emergency room nurse in Sydney for what seems like forever – not to mention that she’s just broken up with her useless boyfriend. She’s finally about to take a a quick, cheap island holiday up north to tropical Queensland. Sure, it’s not five-star luxury, but two-point-five star luxury is almost as good, right?
But now a gorgeous guy has just literally fallen through her apartment window. Which wouldn’t be so bad, but he’s also seriously injured. And some sort of toxic green substance is coming from his wounds. And he’s clearly involved in some pretty top-secret business…
Griffin shifter agent Rhys lives for his work, even if it means being in the shadow of his older brother, Hector. So when the shifter crime-fighting organization he’s dedicated his life to suddenly pins the blame for a failed mission on him and announces that he’s under investigation, it’s not just painful on a personal level – it’s suspicious.
It doesn’t help matters when he comes under attack from a bunch of shady types armed with a toxin that’s deadly to shifters. Luckily for him, the beautiful woman who just saved his life is also his mate – and she just happens to have a spare ticket to Queensland. Maybe a beach holiday with his mate will help him clear his head while he’s on suspension.
Unfortunately, it seems like the people trying to kill him have also decided it’s time for a trip to the tropics – and there’s no one Rhys can trust except Maisie, a crazed cassowary, and a quokka shifter who’s addicted to Cheezels…
Maisie’s been working long, grueling hours as an emergency room nurse in Sydney for what seems like forever – not to mention that she’s just broken up with her useless boyfriend. She’s finally about to take a a quick, cheap island holiday up north to tropical Queensland. Sure, it’s not five-star luxury, but two-point-five star luxury is almost as good, right?
But now a gorgeous guy has just literally fallen through her apartment window. Which wouldn’t be so bad, but he’s also seriously injured. And some sort of toxic green substance is coming from his wounds. And he’s clearly involved in some pretty top-secret business…
Griffin shifter agent Rhys lives for his work, even if it means being in the shadow of his older brother, Hector. So when the shifter crime-fighting organization he’s dedicated his life to suddenly pins the blame for a failed mission on him and announces that he’s under investigation, it’s not just painful on a personal level – it’s suspicious.
It doesn’t help matters when he comes under attack from a bunch of shady types armed with a toxin that’s deadly to shifters. Luckily for him, the beautiful woman who just saved his life is also his mate – and she just happens to have a spare ticket to Queensland. Maybe a beach holiday with his mate will help him clear his head while he’s on suspension.
Unfortunately, it seems like the people trying to kill him have also decided it’s time for a trip to the tropics – and there’s no one Rhys can trust except Maisie, a crazed cassowary, and a quokka shifter who’s addicted to Cheezels…
355 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2024
199 people are currently reading
32 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Chant
326 books1,509 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...
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 13, 2025
For me personally, they just could have gone on that vacation and gone swimming, mini-golfing and so on. I totally would have devoured that. But I didn't mind that turn of events either. However, I didn't need to meet a spider shifter. Just the thought... You could be my mate all you wanted, shift into an animal of any sort but as soon as it has more than four legs, I'm out. I couldn't live with someone who turns into bugs or spiders. Nope. That's where I draw the line.
Other than that, this was your typical unputdownable addictive shofter romance. Loved it, will read the next book when it comes out - gotta be Brooke's story or Robb's, right? And since I learned that there have been more Shiftings Sands books released, that's where I'll go next.
Other than that, this was your typical unputdownable addictive shofter romance. Loved it, will read the next book when it comes out - gotta be Brooke's story or Robb's, right? And since I learned that there have been more Shiftings Sands books released, that's where I'll go next.
October 27, 2024
Falling into love and danger
I enjoyed Rhys and Maisie’s story. This fated mates shifter romantic suspense tale has a bit of mystery and light danger plus absurd scenarios mixed in with the heartwarming and swoony. Like the previous books in the series, there is an evil plan with bad shifters doing things for nefarious purposes and our MCs get caught up in the plot. Rhys is a griffin shifter and he works for the Agency which polices shifters. He is currently suspended from his job after acting on bad intel. Maisie is a nurse who dumps her boyfriend right before she supposed to go on holiday with him. When Rhys is shot with a bullet poisoned with Wyvern venom, he literally crashes into Maisie’s life and her heart. Together they must figure out what is going on with the agency, try to thwart Hargreaves plans, and stay ahead of whoever is hunting them. The story was fairly well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an interesting storyline. The book is fairly low angst and has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, spicy scenes, chuckles, a small amount of dangerous action, mystery, suspense, absurdity, and drama. This book dragged a little for me but I love this series and hope there are more future books. 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed Rhys and Maisie’s story. This fated mates shifter romantic suspense tale has a bit of mystery and light danger plus absurd scenarios mixed in with the heartwarming and swoony. Like the previous books in the series, there is an evil plan with bad shifters doing things for nefarious purposes and our MCs get caught up in the plot. Rhys is a griffin shifter and he works for the Agency which polices shifters. He is currently suspended from his job after acting on bad intel. Maisie is a nurse who dumps her boyfriend right before she supposed to go on holiday with him. When Rhys is shot with a bullet poisoned with Wyvern venom, he literally crashes into Maisie’s life and her heart. Together they must figure out what is going on with the agency, try to thwart Hargreaves plans, and stay ahead of whoever is hunting them. The story was fairly well written and included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters, and an interesting storyline. The book is fairly low angst and has a little bit of everything - sweet moments, spicy scenes, chuckles, a small amount of dangerous action, mystery, suspense, absurdity, and drama. This book dragged a little for me but I love this series and hope there are more future books. 3.5 stars.
September 10, 2024
This was what is commonly known in the trade as a 'bonkerdoodles' story - fun and silly with very little of any substance in there (but hey, sometimes that's what you're in the mood for)
The Outback Shifters series have never been my favourite Zoe books - apparently, the Zoe who writes them *is* actually Australian, which I didn't realise when I read the first ones, but it feels like the books take every Aussie stereotype and vocal mannerism EVER and dial them up to 11 on a scale of 1-10 in a way that doesn't ring true of any individual Australian I've ever interacted with (and, as a Kiwi, that's quite a lot of Australians)
That said, this instalment DOES get bonus points for the quokka and cassowary b-character shifters in there. Given that I've rated the book 7/10 score on my personal scale, I wasn't sure whether to mark it as 3-star or 4-star, and the quokka / cassowary pairing was what tipped it up to a 4.
But I'm still looking forward to getting back to the Bodyguard Shifters Zoe series though - Ms Esker's writing is more to my personal taste, I think.
The Outback Shifters series have never been my favourite Zoe books - apparently, the Zoe who writes them *is* actually Australian, which I didn't realise when I read the first ones, but it feels like the books take every Aussie stereotype and vocal mannerism EVER and dial them up to 11 on a scale of 1-10 in a way that doesn't ring true of any individual Australian I've ever interacted with (and, as a Kiwi, that's quite a lot of Australians)
That said, this instalment DOES get bonus points for the quokka and cassowary b-character shifters in there. Given that I've rated the book 7/10 score on my personal scale, I wasn't sure whether to mark it as 3-star or 4-star, and the quokka / cassowary pairing was what tipped it up to a 4.
But I'm still looking forward to getting back to the Bodyguard Shifters Zoe series though - Ms Esker's writing is more to my personal taste, I think.
February 23, 2025
very intense
That was a very intense roller coaster that left me very angry. Several times. I thought I was going to give it a bad review because I could not accept that the person being accused of all the betrayal of his own ppl A.. it was all too convenient and he swore he was innocent but. The bosses were convinced they got the right guy. Nope no way .. I knew who was responsible all along cause it made no sense and I was 90% into the book and furious it was going to end just like that. When all of a sudden . Bamm! The real culprit reveals themselves and things get super super scary! And you think for certain this book is going to end up being a part 2 cause no way can they tie everything up with a pretty pink bow in less than 8% of the book left over and somehow. It is and I didn’t feel anything was glossed over or skipped. Other than the real culprit being a complete lunatic with a father figure mentor complex! And the epilogue was nice but it was a tad .. rushed and confusing too much going on in chaos in too short time. But ok
That was a very intense roller coaster that left me very angry. Several times. I thought I was going to give it a bad review because I could not accept that the person being accused of all the betrayal of his own ppl A.. it was all too convenient and he swore he was innocent but. The bosses were convinced they got the right guy. Nope no way .. I knew who was responsible all along cause it made no sense and I was 90% into the book and furious it was going to end just like that. When all of a sudden . Bamm! The real culprit reveals themselves and things get super super scary! And you think for certain this book is going to end up being a part 2 cause no way can they tie everything up with a pretty pink bow in less than 8% of the book left over and somehow. It is and I didn’t feel anything was glossed over or skipped. Other than the real culprit being a complete lunatic with a father figure mentor complex! And the epilogue was nice but it was a tad .. rushed and confusing too much going on in chaos in too short time. But ok
September 11, 2024
Action! Romance! I laughed out loud!
Don't expect complex characters. Rhys is maybe a little impulsive, but otherwise, he's your typical nice, protective shifter boy who just happens to be a secret agent. His lucky mate is Maisie, a nurse.
There's something rotten in the Agency Rhys works for. He's suspended and investigated, and a key bit of evidence is missing. Then Rhys is attacked. Maisie rescues him, then takes him on a vacation she already had planned.
There's romantic bits and fight scenes. Do not expect everything to make sense. Some of it has to be that way for the plot, some for comedic effect. This is a bit of fluff, not a well-researched thriller.
Four stars because I like characters that are a bit more consistent.
Don't expect complex characters. Rhys is maybe a little impulsive, but otherwise, he's your typical nice, protective shifter boy who just happens to be a secret agent. His lucky mate is Maisie, a nurse.
There's something rotten in the Agency Rhys works for. He's suspended and investigated, and a key bit of evidence is missing. Then Rhys is attacked. Maisie rescues him, then takes him on a vacation she already had planned.
There's romantic bits and fight scenes. Do not expect everything to make sense. Some of it has to be that way for the plot, some for comedic effect. This is a bit of fluff, not a well-researched thriller.
Four stars because I like characters that are a bit more consistent.
November 2, 2024
Action packed and filled with twists and turns!
Rhys has been put on suspension and then bad guys try to recruit him or kill him. As he escapes he falls through a window and meets his mate, Maisie! After that, they go on vacation, but the bad guys follow them there. Trying to figure out who is the bad guy will keep you guessing through the whole story!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is hectic with an action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and engaging. This story twists and turns all over the place, and you need to work hard to keep up! I recommend reading the series in order. You will understand what happens much better then! Enjoy!
Rhys has been put on suspension and then bad guys try to recruit him or kill him. As he escapes he falls through a window and meets his mate, Maisie! After that, they go on vacation, but the bad guys follow them there. Trying to figure out who is the bad guy will keep you guessing through the whole story!
The pace is breakneck and the tone is hectic with an action oriented storyline that has some steamy scenes. The characters are vivid and engaging. This story twists and turns all over the place, and you need to work hard to keep up! I recommend reading the series in order. You will understand what happens much better then! Enjoy!
October 22, 2024
Ratings (out of possible 5)
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Drama: 👀 👀 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣💣💣💣
Dark: 💀💀💀
Triggers: Kidnapping, envenomation, being injected with evil drugs
POV: 2
Ending: Good action, no cliffhanging,
Length: 355 pages
Recommend: Absolutely!! Get the whole series while you're at it!
Character building: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
World building: 🌎 🌎 🌎 🌎
Relationship building: 💓 💓 💓 💓 💓
Romance: 💋 💋 💋 💋 💋
Heat/steam: 🔥🔥🔥
Drama: 👀 👀 👀 👀
Action: 🍿 🍿 🍿 🍿
Suspense: 💣💣💣💣
Dark: 💀💀💀
Triggers: Kidnapping, envenomation, being injected with evil drugs
POV: 2
Ending: Good action, no cliffhanging,
Length: 355 pages
Recommend: Absolutely!! Get the whole series while you're at it!
February 16, 2025
Brilliant Series
Rhys (Outback Shifters Book 5) by Zoe Chant. Griffin shifter Rhys as been suspended from the Agency for doing his job as he thought. When he’s shot with wyvern venom he crashes through a window of Maisie’s flat who is his mate. After many adventures where people are either trying to kill them or take them into custody they finally get to the truth of everything.
Rhys (Outback Shifters Book 5) by Zoe Chant. Griffin shifter Rhys as been suspended from the Agency for doing his job as he thought. When he’s shot with wyvern venom he crashes through a window of Maisie’s flat who is his mate. After many adventures where people are either trying to kill them or take them into custody they finally get to the truth of everything.
September 7, 2024
Rhys is suspended from the Shifter Agency
He is part of a conspiracy to catch the double agent.While being attacked by gangsters, he is rescued by Maisie. She is a nurse and his true mate.
He is part of a conspiracy to catch the double agent.While being attacked by gangsters, he is rescued by Maisie. She is a nurse and his true mate.
September 9, 2024
Rhys ( outback shifters book 5)
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline amazing series so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Couldn't put it down loved the characters and the storyline amazing series so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
September 12, 2024
Damn!! I didn't c it going that way at all!! I can't believe what happened. There was alot of drama and action. It was really good!! Rhys didn't deserve that but at least he had 1 good thing out of the whole mess.
September 16, 2024
great series wrap up
I really hope this is not the last of the books. I want Robb to find someone and Brooke! I mean, if that arsehole Brent can find his mate, those 2 should be able to!
Loved Rhys and Maisie. They balance each other. I like this Zoe Chant’s stories a lot!
I really hope this is not the last of the books. I want Robb to find someone and Brooke! I mean, if that arsehole Brent can find his mate, those 2 should be able to!
Loved Rhys and Maisie. They balance each other. I like this Zoe Chant’s stories a lot!
November 5, 2024
Outstanding!
I did not expect this out come! Boy Zoe Chant is such a great creator of interesting characters. This had to be one of the most entertaining reads I have had the privilege to get. I can not wait to see what comes next in this series.
I did not expect this out come! Boy Zoe Chant is such a great creator of interesting characters. This had to be one of the most entertaining reads I have had the privilege to get. I can not wait to see what comes next in this series.
January 21, 2025
Fantastic
Another great story in the Outback Shifters series. Once again I was hooked for the start. I love Rhys and Masie. The story had mystery and twists and turns. I was great to see characters from previous stories as well.
Another great story in the Outback Shifters series. Once again I was hooked for the start. I love Rhys and Masie. The story had mystery and twists and turns. I was great to see characters from previous stories as well.
September 4, 2024
💜🔥💜🔥💜🔥
There is full-on danger, action, and deception from the beginning to the end in Ryes' story! It's definitely a must-read!
There is full-on danger, action, and deception from the beginning to the end in Ryes' story! It's definitely a must-read!
September 8, 2024
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
November 2, 2024
Rhys
I would not have been so forgiving of my boss if I was Rhys. That was a total douche move, not to be trusted. I really loved Maisie for him. They were perfect together.
I would not have been so forgiving of my boss if I was Rhys. That was a total douche move, not to be trusted. I really loved Maisie for him. They were perfect together.
November 4, 2024
Exciting reading
This is a captivating book that I couldn't put down. It has a surprise ending that I was not expecting. The suspense kept me enthralled.
This is a captivating book that I couldn't put down. It has a surprise ending that I was not expecting. The suspense kept me enthralled.
August 25, 2025
I hope there is a story about the hacker and his girlfriend. Nice learning about other shifters instead
of the status quo.
of the status quo.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews