... were not the first words Loretta expected to say to the love of her life. Look, you try having a dragon snatch you out of a burning building when all you're wearing is a towel.
He just saved her life. Why doesn't she look happy about it?
Billionaire dragon shifter Darius is a man in control—of his business, his family, his life. But stubborn, outspoken, redheaded Loretta and the rowdy preschoolers at her day care are about to turn his well-ordered life upside down. The fire at Loretta's apartment was no accident, and the closer he keeps her, the safer she'll be. But Loretta's not about to let anyone treat her like a treasure to be locked up for safekeeping.
Even if two stubborn people can overcome the odds and fall in love, it's going to take all Darius's strength and Loretta's wits to keep a dangerous enemy from sending their chances at a happy ending up in smoke.
Day Care Dragon is a full length paranormal romance with humor, heart, and suspense. If you like T.S. Joyce, Terry Bolryder and Harmony Raines, one-click today!
Lauren Esker writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance that’s just a little off the beaten path. Which isn’t surprising since she’s a lifelong Alaskan who is a little off the beaten path herself! (Literally and figuratively.) She also writes graphic novels and scifi/fantasy as Layla Lawlor, and m/m romance as Layla M. Wier.
Now THIS is what I like in a shifter romance. This series has been hit and miss, but my two favorites are the strongest of the lot. In the fourth installment of Ms. Chant’s Bodyguard Shifters series, Darius (the father of Ben, the hero in book 2 Pet Rescue Panther), was not quite villain like but he’s spent an awful long time isolating himself from the world and his kids. He’s lived a long life relying only on himself. But when he meets his mate in Loretta, an older daycare teacher, the story really comes together.
There's decent worldbuilding, some threads begun in an earlier book expands the 'verse, and above all, an interesting and well matched hero and heroine. I thought Ben and Tessa's story was going to be my favorite, but Darius and Loretta have moved to the top of the mountain, so to speak. Darius was an enigmatic, not great dragon whose character arc is actually well done. While the love starts insta, it does grow and become something more. I can see the time and care that went into this story, and it shows some really good growth in the writing.
I like the 'verse Ms. Chant has created and I look forward to reading more of it. If you like shifter romances with some good character work and some fun romance, I would recommend it.
I didn't really expect Darius to get a book, the little we've seen of him hasn't been the greatest, wasn't sure that I even cared if his life changed and he found his HEA. To say he was cold and distant is an understatement.
I loved Loretta, loved that from the moment she met Darius she was giving him grief and expecting him to be nice, to her, to his staff, to everyone. Loretta was a breath of fresh air in Darius's life, something he needed, a person to call him on his shit.
I hated that just as Darius found Loretta, his life started to implode. This took him down more than a few pegs, in fact, I don't think there were any pegs left, Darius had to ask others for help, what he cared about most was taken from him and what he didn't realize he cared about so much, but what he found out was more important than anything, was put in peril.
While Darius and his allies prevailed, it was close. I really liked the choice that Darius made at the end, one where things could be ended there, not hard feelings, no wondering if maybe this might come back to bite him, just done, it was the right thing to do. It also allowed him to start his new life with Loretta with a clear conscious and let them be happy and free.
Billionaire dragon shifter Darius is a man used to getting his way on everything. However an enemy is intent on bringing him down which is making him restless. Darius ends up shifting think he needs time in the sky but it brings him to Loretta, his mate who needs rescuing.
Loretta isn't sure why Darius rescued her but she is not thrilled to be bossed around by the man who thinks he is blessing her with his presence. When Darius decides to woo her he has an unusual way of doing it but it is only making Loretta fall for him. Can a human and a dragon find a happily ever after?
Had some great supporting characters in this story. Darius was arrogant but he has a few moments where he begins to learn about himself and becomes a better person. Entertaining story.
3.5 🌟 When I realized this was Darius' story, I was about to skip this. But boy, Loretta makes up for everything. Despite the 'never seen the guy but loooooove him'. Even with the mate-stuff to explain the instalove this was fast and extreme! But the development was great and I'm looking forward to Maddox' story.
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 haven’t bought this book yet, but I will when I can. I own most of Zoe’s books!!
This is the 4th book in this series. I highly recommend reading them all, and if you don’t like past events being mentioned when you don’t know what they are talking about, you should read them in order. I love when the characters I love are back in the another book. This is for adults only due to the steamy content and battles.
This book was action-packed, humorous, and just awesome. My favorite line is when Darius asks why everyone keeps asking him that, but you have to read it to see what I mean. So much fun to read, and it was packed with all sorts of drama, intrigue, and back story that you fall in love with Darius and let go of past impressions of him being a jerk to Ben.
I highly recommend to any fans of Zoe’s work especially if you love this series or shifters in general. It was fantastic, and I can’t wait for more!
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest! I loved the book! I was so glad that Darius got his book. It had to be a tough cookie to deal w/ Darius. Loretta was that and much more. I love their banters. I hope that we have a spin off for the gargoyles. I loved the storytelling + the characters. It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book! I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Title: Day Care Dragon Series: Bodyguard Shifters #4 Release Date: #AlreadyReleased Author: Zoe Chant Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger Genre:#PRN #DragonShifters #Gargoyles #5Stars🌟⭐🌟🌟🌟 •••••••••••••• 💢I always love this lady's books they get my heart pounding while I'm on the edge of my seat. Definitely a Must Read!
🔷️Loretta Somers is a human who loves her job working at a day care. Who wouldn't love little toddles. Loretta apartment building is on fire one morning while she was in the shower. You'll never guess who come through the roof?
🔷️Darius Keegan is a Dragon Shifter, he is the lone survivor of his clans massacre hundred years or so ago. When he became an adult I took care of the Gargoyles responsible for destroying his clan. Wiped them out or did he?
I never thought I would like Darius at all. He was hardly a sympathetic character in previous books, but this one... I enjoyed it a lot! Somehow, I wish Loretta had more flaws. She was way too perfect for me. Even her body/age issues weren't really a problem at all. Continued and better world-building. Learning more about this universe's ins and outs.
I was wondering if we were going to get another villain since Darius killed Nils back in Book #3. Ms. Chant dug up an interesting super-villain which was quite intriguing though I felt this new villain was given far more power that could be believable. I think it should had been dialed back a bit because the infamous fight at the end was good but still too over-the-top to be realistic in this universe. And his mansion's auto-destruct was too James Bond 007 for me.
But we do get to see some of our favorite characters from previous books. At least we get an update on what's happening to them. And Darius' firsts granddaughter, Skye, is an absolute sweetie pie!
Now I'm at a crossroads. I really enjoyed this book, so do I buy the entire series as I'm a terrible completist? I think I'll read Book #5, and if it's as good as #4, then, yeah, I would buy the entire series.
It’s time for Darius to be the focus in Day Care Dragon, the fourth title in the Bodyguard Shifters series. Darius has been in the background of this series, pulling strings, roaring his displeasure, being… Darius. Now we’ll get a better look at the head of this ragtag clan, finally understand why he is such a stern, determined, even ruthless dragon shifter. And he does have his reasons which are heartbreaking.
Loretta is celebrating her 40-something birthday — well, sorta celebrating for this day is certainly turning out to be a combination of oh crap, and oh, wow. In a matter of moments she will go from a dull, boring routine as a day care worker barely skimming by to being rescued from a fire, thrust into danger, mystery, mayhem and a man who isn’t all man that claims she is his destiny. Yeah. Right. Perfect day.
Darius is such a totally unique combination of old world arrogance and complete cluelessness that it’s charming and frustrating in the same moment. We began to get a hint of the sort of person Darius “could” be in previous stories. But with his mate at his side the turning of this arrogant jerk into a likable man is complete. If anything, Loretta will keep Darius grounded and open his eyes to doing things a bit differently in the future. Day Care Dragon is full of contradictions in the best possible meaning… from the sight of Darius with a baby in his arms to his terrifying anger, from wide eyed panic in a dragon’s eyes at a group of seemingly unstoppable enemies to the look of love in Loretta’s eyes as she truly sees her mate. This was an amazing journey, one that I will not soon forget. Now to look forward to Maddox’s story soon.
There is real danger in Day Care Dragon, and there is delightful humor as well. As we learn more of Darius’ past we get a better feel for the man, the dragon circumstances have made… and he’s got the perfect mate in Loretta who will tell him the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. I loved my time back in this world and would recommend this story or the entire Bodyguard Shifters series to any reader who enjoys a good love story, moments of sexy passion, some chuckles, some knuckle whitening tensions and a visit with old friends. Day Care Dragon has it all, and I’d suggest that, if you can, you read the series in order for some things do flow from one story to the next. In my opinion.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Darius Keegan, a Billionaire Dragon shifter who'd always been in control. He ran his family and business smoothly, now an enemy was threatening all the things he'd worked hard for.
He never imagined his life would get turned upside down by the one thing he'd given up on finding...his mate. A beautiful and stubborn woman by the names of Loretta Somers.
Loretta Somers, a preschool teacher who was caught in a fire in her building apartment. She was rescued by a Dragon, after first she was awestruck them she wanted to get away from. But the beast wouldn't let her go, it turned out she was his mate. What the heck did that mean?!
The sexy as sin man laid it all out for her but she was overwhelmed with everything that happened that she asked him to give her some time. Darius turned to his son, Ben for advice in wooing his mate.
Loretta accepted that she was Darius' mate, she learned a lot about her beloved and vice versa. The enemy was closer than they thought, he even tried taking everything away from Darius. The latter tried facing their foe alone but his mate wouldn't have any of it.
They turned to Heikon, the clanlord of the Cocoran clan for help. They also got some unexpected help from someone from Darius' past. The enemy got what he deserved. Loretta and Darius made an amazing couple.
What a wonderful treat it was to catch up with Gunnar & Melody (BEAR IN A BOOKSHOP) Ben & Tessa (PET RESCUE PANTHER). It was nice meeting new characters. Looking forward to Maddox's story! ;).
DAY CARE DRAGON is the fourth book in Zoe Chant's BODYGUARD SHIFTERS series. It was alluring, intriguing and passionate. Excellent job by Ms Chant. Two thumbs up!
****I received a free book from the author, without any obligation to review.****
Look, if you'd asked me five years ago if I'd pick up - let alone ENJOY - a fated mates story featuring a dragon shifter and a daycare worker, I'd have rolled my eyes at you. People: past!me was an unforgiveable book snob, and I sincerely apologise to anyone whose reading tastes I denigrated, either explicitly or just because my facial expressions were using their outside voice.
There's been some really lovely character development in this series - especially if you compare the Darius we first met in Pet Rescue Panther with the Darius we meet at the start of this book. And perhaps what I like most about his journey is that it's NOT all down to "the love of a good woman" - Darius has already started to recognise what's been missing from his life well before Loretta comes onto the scene.
He still has growing to do over the course of this book, of course, but he's also started to admit to himself how much damage he did to both Melody and Ben, and he's started to - on some level - recognise that what they have in their respective families and with each other is something he wants with them.
As for Loretta, she had a little bit of development to go through as well (although, thinking about it, not nearly as much as Darius, so there might be a little bit of grown-up Manic Pixie Dream Girl going on with her that I don't love so much) But she was mostly a mature, sensible female lead who knew how to communicate and - mostly - recognised her own worth, which is a nice change from some of the similar fated mates characters I've read by other Zoe authors.
So yes. Probably not my favourite of the series so far - I think that honour definitely belongs to Bear in a Bookshop - but an enjoyable read all the same, and I like the introduction to the gargoyles that I know will lead us into the Stoneskin shifter series that's coming up.
I really enjoyed this book in this serieS. I've enjoyed the series in general for many reason but one of the things that stand out to me is that the women in this series are regular woman. Every series talks about these women who are gorgeous & basically flawless supermodel types that find surprisingly find love - buy it's not surprising cause most men would gravitate towards them. Oh she wears glasses & has a weird job so until this guy stumbles upon them their beauty is unrecognizable. It's frustrating cause even the most awful, horrible beautiful women find partners. In this series, they are normal woman. Tessa described herself as looking like an apple & Ben loved her curves. In this book, Loretta is a woman in mid 40s with stretch marks & extra weight & she's viewed as beautiful by Darius. Yes, they are fated mates but it's more than that. In Melody & Gunnar's story she was worried about physical attraction not being enough & it was the personality that shined through & I feel that even in these books - that's what is more important than if the woman is toned & fit. I appreciate that. Not everyone is naturally toned & fit like most of the other books I read portray them to be. This is inclusive cause the woman except Melody have been humans.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave my honest review! Book 4 surprised me a bit in how much I actually liked it, I mean Darius wasn't my favourite previous character so I didn't really have high expectations of too much enjoyment but thankfully I was pleasantly surprised. Darius was not quite villian-ish in Book 2-3 but he wasn't overly likable either due to his treatment of his children. So thankfully we get some back story for Darius and it shines him in more of a nice light, with reason's for him isolating himself not only from his children but the world. It showed some nice personal development and realisations from him that makes him likable! It was of course the insta "mate" love but it was nice to see the relationship actually grow and develop between him and Loretta. I liked Loretta and her mature approach to life and situations, she certainly was a good influence with Darius in helping him to enjoy life more. Bit of drama with some Gargoyles which was unexpected but kept it interesting and I felt it was all resolved really well. I think Maddox is up next so looking forward to his story! Overall a great addition to this series and one I look forward to continuing.
I love Zoe Chant. Her writing is easy to read, smooth & satisfying like a French silk pie. The characters are fun, yet substantial. The places are beautifully described. The hero & hera in this book are very likable & relatable. Darius has been in the first 3 books of the series. He's the patriarch of his clan, such as it is. The rest of the clan was killed off in a feud with gargoyles & he's the last member of his birth family. His 2 kids & 1 granddaughter are all that remain. Loretta, a 42 y.o. daycare worker, meets him after an arsonist targets her building. She's saved by a silver dragon, Darius. Things get much worse before they get better. Zoe has written several series that have interesting story arcs, but can be read on their own. I think it is more satisfying to read them in order, however. Do yourself a favor & pick up the latest book in your favorite series. I didn't get paid or get any other compensation for this review, but I am open to the prospect. 😉 Not even a free book. 😇😁😎 Enjoy your reading!
Darius is a billionaire dragon shifter with someone who's out to destroy him. When one of the buildings he owns is set on fire, he gets the urge to go their as a dragon. He breaks through the roof and scoops up Loretta who's only wearing a towel and brings her home. It turns out Loretta is his mate and he vows to keep her safe but she's not going to allow him to keep her locked away. Darius must find out who's behind the attacks before he loses everything he owns. Can he and Loretta learn to work together? When all seems lost Darius does something he thought he'd never do, he goes to another dragon for help.
This was a great read; well-written with well-rounded characters. It's fun and you'll find yourself laughing out loud in places as Darius learns to deal with a class of 4 year olds and a mate with a mind of her own. I highly recommend this book and the series which I suggest you read in order.
I was a bit disappointed with Darius and Loretta's story because it has a wonderful beginning to be morphed into horrific revenge and battle story. Honestly it felt like 2 half baked books. Thank goodness for Kindle Unlimited! The romance aspect was more of a side note. Passion was very past tense which also seemed to be a side note. Honestly it was difficult to plow thru to the ending. My reason to finish Day Care Dragon was solely because this segment is halfway through the series. Although it was very useful to help me fall asleep each night! Normally I read half the night, with this book I fell asleep quickly and would find Amazon Fire on floor or tangled in covers next morning.
Zoe Chant is a talented writer and does a great job of world development but this one fell short in my humble opinion. As always my eternal thanks to all the writers hard work and generosity to share their creations.
Darius is a dragon shifter who has his own hoard and riches beyond imagine. He has to children who are grown and married to their mates. He has one grandchild and another on the way. Loretta is a childcare worker and human. Darius appears out of the blue when her apartment building is on fire. He is his dragon self and grabs her to save her from the fire. Unfortunately when he grabs her she is only wearing a towel. So he flies off with her in his claws and takes her to his home. After seeing him shift back she realizes that dragons do exist. After several close calls on their lives, Darius and Loretta are finally able to build a new life together along with Darius's children. Darius learns that what he thought was his heart of hoard really was his family and his mate.
I liked Loretta, and I liked Darius more than I expected, and I could see how they work together. The pacing of the book didn't quite work for me - first the romance was quite fast, then there was the foreshadowed enemy action but it was way more dramatic than expected, then , then there was a fight and a HEA; but the thing I was most curious about, , wasn't resolved. I liked the minor characters, Maddox and Esme etc., and seeing Ben and Tessa again.
Not being a particularly good father or mate, dragon Darius Keller has contented himself with amassing and admiring his hoard. Darius’ arch-enemy, Sharpe, has been making annoying moves to take over Darius’ small clan and riches. Sharpe goes so far as to set fire to one of Darius’ occupied properties.
Flying off to stop Sharpe, Darius rescues pre-school teacher, Loretta and immediately recognizes her as his mate. This is all too much for a screeching Loretta, insisting he ‘drop her this instant’, then realizes they’re flying over the city. As the two are busy falling in love, Sharpe makes a move taking Darius completely off guard and he has to fight to save everything! Rating: 3.25stars
So far my favorite book of the series! Middle aged fmc and a much older man but he is a dragon. He wouldn’t have accumulated all that he had ocer the years if he was a young dragon. It’s wonderful to finally find out why Darius acted the way he did with his children. More characters are introduced. We finally learn what type of shifter Maddox is. And a bunch of adorable preschoolers and baby shifters. The action was crazy! This bad guy was legit insane! He would endanger innocent people just for his revenge against Darius. Love Loretta! She didn’t put up with Darius behavior and set him straight! Plus she was just a genuinely nice person and very relatable. Can’t wait to see what happens next with these folks!
This one is a little different. We met Darius in Bodyguard Shifters # 2 and 3. He is not your basic warm and fuzzy guy! In fact he wasn't totally likeable in them. Then he finds his mate. There is a lot of character development in here. We learn what has made him act the way he does. Seeing him try so hard to get Loretta to like him helps you see him in a different light. Plus he is a dragon, and dragons are really cool!
A quick pace, hopeful tone, character and action oriented storyline with some steamy scenes and vivid characters make for a great addition to this series. I can't wait for Maddox's story, coming in 2019! Enjoy!
A true love story, this book was in line with the rest of the series. This time we get to follow Radius as he finds his human mate and quickly realized he is out of his depth. Her has to come to terms with reality quickly as he has a competitor out for his empire. Pretty is not used to the rich life and is extremely uncomfortable with how Radius goes about his life. Will they be able to find common ground before it is too !ate? We get more updates on recurring characters from the series and i like how it all builds upon each other. If you're already following the series you will line this one.
Awesome dragon shifter story about Darius finding his mate
Darius is Melody's and Ben's father, who is a billionaire Dragon shifter that is being targeted by someone unknown. He finds his mate in a burning building from which she saved here. She works at a daycare.
They eventually find out who is targeting them and their family. Will they survive and live to rebuild again?
The characters are funny, relatable, and unique. The plot is a feud that has cover centuries, although Darius thought all of his enemies were dead. I have been waiting for this story forever.
I highly recommend this book and series to readers. This is the one of my favorite authors.
Book one, I showed up for the pun. Books 2-3, I showed up for the characters and plot.
This one? All of that, and hey - the author managed combat in a manner that avoided outright physical stupidity, which is something the past... I dunno. Four or five books *centered* around combat didn't manage. It's as though someone heard of my desire for fluff with spice and just did it up all perfect.
This is also the first time in a while I've seen a truly unlikable character manage a solid progression into likable in a believable manner. Color me all kinds of impressed, and I guess I know who I'm chain reading now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Why did it lose half a star? Tess for one. From the time she met Darius in the last book I have not liked how she treated him.
But now at the end of this book I think she’s over what ever it was. I know, you are going to say it’s due to how he treats Ben, and I can mostly agree. But I don’t agree with
Now I come from the future as far as these books are concerned, so I know that mystical shifter can make themselves not be seen, so I was reminded that this is before Zoe gave them that ability.
I’m happy Maddox isn’t dead, but his animal surprised me. I thought someone said earlier that he was a bull.
Darius figures after all this time, that he will never meet his mate. Loretta accepts that finding a man who loves her is probably not in the cards. He is used to getting what he wants, but she doesn't play by those rules. Will Loretta be able to prove there is more to life than money? Will Darius be able to keep the Heart of his Hoard safe?
Loved seeing Darius find his mate! Honestly loved Loretta's personality and love for kids. I loved seeing Darius slowly evolve and to learn about his past. Both were able to teach the other valuable things. Great read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a fun dragon shifter romance. From the earlier books in the series, I wasn't sure I would ever really like Darius -- he always seemed so cold and detached. But this book explains why, and he finally shows that his heart. My favorite parts of the story were him trying to learn how to "woo" his mate, the scenes with the day care kids, and the baby dragon in a snowsuit -- those were just so much fun! The story did have serious moments, of course, and they did have to fight a bad guy. But the funny scenes were still my favorite.
This book was a lot more intense than most of the series. I enjoyed it as usual. It was full of some fun (best snowball fight ever), cuteness of baby dragons and toddlers but it contained list of hardships with fires, having everything stolen, kidnapping and then war. I'm glad that Darius found his mate and found out that he was missing out on the love of his family. I would have loved for his daughter to have shown up to help but that did not happen. I'm looking forward to #5. As I look forward to all of your books Zoe.