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Cedar Hills Lions #5

Protector Lion

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A curvy single mother in need of a protector + a hotheaded lion shifter who needs to make up for past mistakes + the little boy who brings them together = one heartwarming romance!

Natalie Nelson has spent the past two years raising her six-year-old son, Micah, alone. She’s never had anyone she can rely on to look after her – and so, when a threatening man appears on her doorstep to say he’s holding her responsible for her ex-boyfriend’s debts, she does the only thing she can think of: run. What she doesn’t expect is that her impulsive flight will carry her headlong into the arms of the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen.

Lion shifter Casey Whittaker knows he has a lot to make up for. His pride might have forgiven him for his youthful mistakes, but Casey is having a much harder time forgiving himself – and seeing himself as worthy of the happiness he knows he’ll find with a mated bond. But when Natalie arrives at his family’s ranch looking for a job, he recognizes her not only as a woman in need of his protection – but also as his mate.

But not everything is as it seems, and when the mysterious debt collectors show up in Cedar Hill demanding what they’re owed, a sinister new twist is revealed in their plans. Casey is determined to protect his mate and her cub no matter what, but will he be strong enough to save her?

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 27, 2017

263 people are currently reading
95 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Chant

330 books1,517 followers
Zoe 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...


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5 stars
270 (65%)
4 stars
89 (21%)
3 stars
48 (11%)
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6 (1%)
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2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
November 14, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, and no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I have bought this book because I loved it, and I own most of Zoe’s books!

The cover is my favorite kind with both beautiful beasts!

This is the 5th book in the series, and it is for adults only due to steamy content. I highly recommend reading in order, so you know all of the different characters pasts and how it fits together and impacts this story.

This is Casey’s story, and my how he has grown and matured. It means something when you screw up and own up to it and try to make it right. Natalie is a single mom, so I can easier relate to her and her concerns. I do wish I had her outstanding luck though. This book had Zoe’s perfect combination or action/drama and the HEA that makes me smile.

I highly recommend to all who already love this series and to any shifter fans who loves HEAs because this book and series rocks! I can’t wait to read my next Zoe Chant book!
Profile Image for Diana Page.
903 reviews16 followers
November 2, 2017
Loved Natalie, Casey and Micah's story !! It had enough twists to keep it interesting and just enough heat to make the sex scenes hot and believabke without going over the top. Micah( Natalie's son), is a great kid, smart and just a bit unsure of himself, but when things start happening he keeps his cool and has a lot if fun with the other kids. 4⭐'s for a great family shifter read. I received a gifted copy of the book and am voluntarily choosing to leave an honest and unbiased review.
495 reviews7 followers
November 22, 2017
Pride promise

Never know when you go to a strange place what you might find , one thing for sure a time you soon want forget,could also be the best of your life
Profile Image for Nana Pickrell.
680 reviews10 followers
November 21, 2019
I was happy to see Casey get his mate, but I wasn't thrilled about Natalie being so much older than him.
Profile Image for ZETTER.
1,158 reviews23 followers
October 29, 2017
Sweet Angel!!!

Casey Whittaker made a few mistakes in his past, the biggest one was when he got mixed up with some danger people who were out to harm his cousin Mason's mate, Charity ( LAWMAN LION ).

His family and the rest of the Cedar Hill Pride have forgiven him but he hasn't forgiven himself yet.

Natalie Nelson has spend the last two years raising her six-year-old son, Micah, on her own. When a dangerous man came knocking on her door looking for her to pay her ex-boyfriend's debts. She took her son and ran.

She moved to Cedar Hill where she was offered the job as a cleaner at Faye ( SECOND CHANCE LION ) and Lincoln's B&B. Casey was there to welcome her and Micah, their first encounter was an interesting one. Him and his Lion found out that she was their mate.

Little Micah felt great being around the Whittakers especially Mason and Charity's little angel, Faith. Casey told Natalie everything, from him being a shifter to her being his fated mate to all what he did in his youth.

When danger followed her to Cedar Hill and threatened to take Micah away from her. Her mate and their prided didn't hesitate to take action to protect him. What they didn't expect was the enemy would break more than one laws to get what they wanted.

Love how the women became friends from the moment tbey met. It was great to catch up everyone and to meet the younger generation.

Casey fought for his mate and her little one like one ever did before. Natalie was more in love with him than ever. So happy to see that all the Whittaker men got their HEAs.

PROTECTOR LION is the fifth installment in Zoe Chant's CEDAR HILL LIONS series. Such an incredible, beautiful and heartwarming ride.

****I received a free book from the author, without any obligation to review.****
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
648 reviews21 followers
November 1, 2017
I received an ARC with no obligation to leave my honest review
I'll admit that I wasn't too excited to see that book 5 in this series would be about Casey, in my mind he had a lot to make up for with his past mistakes! But in all honesty I loved this book, I even didn't mind that Natalie was older the Casey, thought it was sweet.
Casey has been trying to make up for his past mistakes and all of the Cedar Hills Pride have forgiven him but he still seemed to find it hard to forgive himself, so much so it almost ruins thing with Natalie. He certainly had grown and matured in the time it took for his story to be told.
Casey was smoking hot but in no way arrogant or conceited and was actually quite shy! He really came across so sweet with Nat but able to protect her when needed.
Natalie was a strong character who basically raised her son, Micha, by herself as her ex only brought trouble to her door that she tried to run from. I again found that the fact Casey could shift into a lion was taken really well by Natalie, it was super fast, but ok I guess as these ones are only shorter stories.
Loved how all the previous women became such good friends so that Natalie had a lovely support base. We got a quick look at how everyone was doing which was lovely.
Overall a really good addition to the series.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,492 reviews23 followers
November 29, 2017
Casey and Natalie's story was just okay for me. I did not like that there was a big age difference between the two. Also towards the end I felt like I was reading Joe and Sasha story over again. It almost felt verbatim with a mild difference. I have read the Cedar Hills lion series back to back and unfortunately this 5th book was a little bit of a disappointment.

Here we have the youngest Cedar Hill lion who has had to redeem himself to his family for his betrayal 5 years prior. He still feels like he has to prove himself even though he really doesn't. He is tasked with picking up the new bed and breakfast housekeeper from the bus station along with her son. To his surprise once he sees her his lion gets riled up.

We also have a single mother of a six-year-old little boy who has been abandoned by her boyfriend for several years. A loan shark comes to her door demanding payment for her boyfriends debts and he has informed her he will be back next week. Natalie had just applied for a dream job far from where she currently lives and feeling she probably won't get the job. To her surprise she does and it's the perfect opportunity to flee with her son before this evil man comes back.

This wasn't bad it just was not as good as the other ones were.
Profile Image for Joetta Spurling.
Author 2 books7 followers
January 26, 2020
I don't want this to be over.

Protector Lion: Cedar Hill Lions Book 5
By Zoe Chant
Kindle unlimited purchase
Natalie, and her six-year-old Natalie
WANTED: One experienced cleaner for our small B&B in Cedar Hill. You might not have heard of this place, but believe me, once you’re here, you’ll love it!
When Micah saw the ad she didn't think she would get the job but she still applied. Then things happened and when she got the job she knew it was just what she needed so she packed up her bags and didn't look back.
Casey is the handyman at the B&B. When his sister-in-law asked him to pick up the new live-in cleaner he had no idea that fate was pulling him towards his mate.
This book has it all. But that is what I expect from a Zoe book. This series is stand-alones but I recommend reading the books in order, that way you already know the history of the other characters as they appear in other books. I don't want this series to be over! How about a spin-off with the kids finding their mates.
Profile Image for Lynn Vincent.
653 reviews4 followers
October 31, 2017
This is the 5th book in the Cedar Hills Lions series. This is Casey and Natalie story. I enjoyed this story of struggle and being unable to forgive oneself.
Casey has done something when he was younger which he still feels he needs to make up for. He meets his mate, but does not feel he is worthy. Even with this doubt he can not stay away from his mate.
Natalie and her son have moved to Cedar Hills to be a cleaner at the B&B Casey's stepmother owns. She is running away from a loan shark her ex boyfriend owes money to.
Will Natalie tell Casey the truth of why she came? Will he and his brother and cousins be able to out fox the shark? Come read this story to find out. I give it 5 stars. "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy without pressure to do so".
Profile Image for Holly Fincher.
189 reviews2 followers
November 4, 2023
Lions, a human woman, and a wolf pup....

Natalie is a mom who has been a single parent to Micah. She is threatened by some dangerous men who wants to take Micah because his biological father owed him a lot of money. So Natalie takes Micah to a small town hoping they would be safe. Casey is a lion shifter and when he met Natalie he knew she was his mate. So he had to fight the bad guy to keep Natalie and Micah safe. Natalie was so surprised when all of the sudden Micah shifted into a wolf. So even though Micah was a wolf he is still a part of the lion pride. This is a great addition to this series. There is so much excitement and love. I definitely would recommend this series.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,370 reviews46 followers
February 23, 2018
Read in the box set.
Okay but not my favourite.
Casey is trying to atone for his mistakes in book one. When his mate turns up to work at Faye’s B&B he needs to grow up and become the protector Natalie and her little boy Micah need.
Even though Natalie has not seen him for two years, Natalie has been threatened by men her ex-boyfriend and Micah’s father owes money too. The job offer from Faye comes at the right time to allow her to run and hide in Cedar Hills, working at the B&B.
The ex-boyfriend causes way more problems further on in this book.
Though I enjoyed this book I felt it had strong similarities to one of the other books in this series.
Loved the ending though.
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
October 29, 2017
ARC - I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
Natalie is in fear for her life + the life of her son, Micah.
They run to save their lives.
Casey is trying to prove that he had grow up.
When he meets Natalie, he knows that he found his mate.
He will do anything to keep Natalie + her son safe.
When danger comes calling, Casey knows what to do.
Romance, drama, action, and lots more.
Profile Image for Dmcl.
827 reviews13 followers
October 30, 2017
As always, Zoe Chant does a magnificent job with this story about Natalie and CSey of the Cedar Hill Pride. Casey has vowed to protect his mate and her son, and so when they are threatened, he does everything he can to see that they’re safe. With the backing of the Pride, he’ll put an end to the threat and insure it never happens again.
A standalone PNR with a great cast of characters. Highly recommended.
1,691 reviews
January 29, 2024
Brilliant Series

Protector Lion (Cedar Hill Lions Book 5) by Zoe Chant. Natalie is threatened by debt collectors but a job offer at Cedar Hill B&B seems a good send. Casey picks Natalie and her son Micah up from the bus station and realises Natalie is his mate. Then the debt collector shows up in Cedar Hills saying Micah’s father has signed Micah over to him in payment for the debt.
Profile Image for Jane Elizabeth .
4,342 reviews5 followers
October 31, 2017
Natalie...

Natalie Nelson and her young son are threatened and running from loan sharks.
Apparently her ex-partner owed them money.
Casey Whittaker would not forgive himself for actions performed in his past, and was still running from the guilt he felt.
Maybe they can heal each other?
Fun fast read with some seriously unexpected twists. Loved it!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,383 reviews28 followers
November 2, 2017
Love it!

This is the first book I have read of this series. Unfortunately didn't realise it was a series until after. The story of Casey and Natalie is so soft a romantic! And added to that the really hot and steamy scenes as well as the fight Casey has to face to get his mate back makes this book a favourite. Highly recommended! Go on! Give it a chance. You won't regret it!
66 reviews
November 3, 2017
Love the series

I habe liked every book in this series. This book seemed to move at a faster pace. I could only guess what the age difference was, but was glad to see it mixed up that the woman was older. I dont know if this is last book, but would read more from the Whittaker family.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,482 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2017
Love the lions

This is only the second shifter book I have read. I didn't think I would like them. But they are imaginative and fun. This one has suspense and love. And since I love all things cat, small and large, I did enjoy it except I'm not into the graphic sex scenes. Fun book.
Profile Image for Angie7.
979 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2022
Finally Growing Up

Awesome series really. These advetures of the Cedar Hill Loins was awesome. Family/pride first, although everyone has their dramas and adventures, second chances, they all had a happy ending. Zoe has soooo many books solo, series collections to enjoy so I will lol Got my reading list.
Profile Image for Jenni.
6,606 reviews81 followers
February 4, 2023
I have been on a shifter binge and that is where I found Zoe. I have enjoyed many of her books since then and am working my way through them. There are some minor editing issues in her early books but not enough to give up reading them.

With many variety of shifters who are hot and true mates I am sure you will enjoy them as much as me.
490 reviews
November 3, 2017
Totally entertaining!!!!

I loved this story. It started off with a bang and ended in a roar. Filled with love and surprises, deceit and dishonesty finally ending with trust and honesty. A totally awesome book!
Profile Image for Natalie.
4,806 reviews13 followers
November 13, 2017
Protector Lion

They should have let Casey take a bite out of Kenneth for his wicked ways, lol that would have been what he deserved. I'm so glad that he found out she was his mate right away and let her get on board with it
533 reviews
December 26, 2017
Another 👍 story

Characters are excellent, story is about as slow as a race 🚗 and the love 💘 flows gently with true feeling. Action 👍 yes, and no punches pulled. A very enjoyable read.
1,749 reviews
November 4, 2017
Natalie & Casey

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Natalie & Casey's story very much. Eagerly waiting for the next book in this series. I like reading Zoe Chang's books.
Profile Image for Phylis Collins.
2,863 reviews8 followers
November 5, 2017
Protector Lion book 5 of the Cedar Hills Lions by Zoe Chant is also a stand alone. This has a good flow to it and is very entertaining. Good story to relax with. ARC my free opinion. Thanks
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
November 6, 2017
Great!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it has romance, suspense, and danger. Natalie and Casey are wonderful characters, and together they are perfect.
938 reviews
November 24, 2017
Yet another great book. I love that there are recurring characters from the previous books. I have enjoyed the entire series and will certainly read more from this author.
Profile Image for Sue Lundy.
7 reviews1 follower
December 4, 2017
Great book

Great read I love the series ...I recommend anyone who loves paranormal romances to read these books they are very well written and just a great read
728 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2018
Protector Lion

Gave it a five star rating. Loved the story. Can’t wait to read more of the author books to find out what happens next.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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