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Bodyguard Shifters #5
Bull in a Tea Shop
His second chance is her salvation ...
Big, tatted-out bull shifter Maddox used to work as a thug for hire, but now he's a drifter with his old life in ruins. All he knows is that he wants to be better than he was. When he hitchhikes into the small town of Silvermine, Arizona, he's not planning to stay. But first he helps out a teenager in trouble, and the next thing he knows, the kid's alluring aunt walks into his life, and runs away with his heart. For the first time in his life, Maddox has something of his own to protect.
Blind tea-shop owner Verity has been caught up in a dangerous struggle with the town's corrupt sheriff and a greedy landowner trying to force her to sell. First Maddox saves her niece, and then he offers to help her save her business. Teaming up might be the solution she's been hoping for, but Verity has spent her life learning not to believe in happy endings.
And with a sheriff who would break every law to stop them, it'll take all his strength, her wits, and their courage to get out of this alive ...
Big, tatted-out bull shifter Maddox used to work as a thug for hire, but now he's a drifter with his old life in ruins. All he knows is that he wants to be better than he was. When he hitchhikes into the small town of Silvermine, Arizona, he's not planning to stay. But first he helps out a teenager in trouble, and the next thing he knows, the kid's alluring aunt walks into his life, and runs away with his heart. For the first time in his life, Maddox has something of his own to protect.
Blind tea-shop owner Verity has been caught up in a dangerous struggle with the town's corrupt sheriff and a greedy landowner trying to force her to sell. First Maddox saves her niece, and then he offers to help her save her business. Teaming up might be the solution she's been hoping for, but Verity has spent her life learning not to believe in happy endings.
And with a sheriff who would break every law to stop them, it'll take all his strength, her wits, and their courage to get out of this alive ...
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 26, 2019
1062 people are currently reading
225 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Esker
80 books78 followersLauren 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
March 9, 2021
Maddox Murphy walked away from a life that was dangerous and less than satisfying only to find himself in the town of Silvermine. He finds two teens in way over their heads and a sheriff who works for a guy trying to buy up the homes and businesses in the town and he's not being nice about it.
Verity owns a tea shop where she lives and has no plans on selling to the slug who keeps pressuring her to sell her place to him. Verity is blind and is raising her teenage niece, Bailey.
Verity is a strong heroine and the idiot buying up the land really doesn't think much of her but she shows him that she shouldn't be overlooked just because she's blind. So when Luke and Bailey bring Maddox back to her place after the first incident with the sheriff and his boss, Verity knows right away that something is up and ends up helping Maddox because he helped her niece and Luke.
Maddox is a bull shifter but he and his other half aren't getting along because of something that happened a while back. We don't find out right away what it is but it makes sense when we do. Because he and Verity find themselves in a lot of danger because of the sheriff and his boss, Maddox decides to run for sheriff which puts them in even more danger but he's doing it to help her and the town.
I think this was the first time I've read a story with a bull shifter but I really liked it. With all the danger they find themselves in, they also had time to get to know one another. Watching the romance bloom between two totally different people was a lot of fun. You wouldn't think they would be a good match but they really were.
Verity owns a tea shop where she lives and has no plans on selling to the slug who keeps pressuring her to sell her place to him. Verity is blind and is raising her teenage niece, Bailey.
Verity is a strong heroine and the idiot buying up the land really doesn't think much of her but she shows him that she shouldn't be overlooked just because she's blind. So when Luke and Bailey bring Maddox back to her place after the first incident with the sheriff and his boss, Verity knows right away that something is up and ends up helping Maddox because he helped her niece and Luke.
Maddox is a bull shifter but he and his other half aren't getting along because of something that happened a while back. We don't find out right away what it is but it makes sense when we do. Because he and Verity find themselves in a lot of danger because of the sheriff and his boss, Maddox decides to run for sheriff which puts them in even more danger but he's doing it to help her and the town.
I think this was the first time I've read a story with a bull shifter but I really liked it. With all the danger they find themselves in, they also had time to get to know one another. Watching the romance bloom between two totally different people was a lot of fun. You wouldn't think they would be a good match but they really were.
February 10, 2026
This was such an amazing book! Immediately I felt part of this world and this town, and I was drawn to these characters and this story. For a paranormal love story it felt incredibly grounded. The only downside for me came when the villain did that movie cliché part where they decide to take out the hero in the most complicated way possible. Still, it was well written and fun. Highly recommend!
November 8, 2023
4.25 stars
Damn, I did not expect to fall in love with the characters this much but Maddox, Verity and Bailey are awesome! While the whole series is really addictive, this book added two mcs that I really loved. I hated what Ducker put them through but heck, their journey and development was really amazing.
Damn, I did not expect to fall in love with the characters this much but Maddox, Verity and Bailey are awesome! While the whole series is really addictive, this book added two mcs that I really loved. I hated what Ducker put them through but heck, their journey and development was really amazing.
June 27, 2019
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I buy most of Zoe Chant’s books because I love her HEAs and her style of writing! I haven’t gotten this one yet, but I will!
The cover is pretty awesome!
This is the 5th book in this series! You can read the book standalone, but it is much better reading them all and knowing all the awesomeness! It is for adults only due to the steamy content!
This is Maddox’s story. He has been wandering since he left Darius’ employment. He stumbles onto some teens who need help, and the town needs it even more. Lots of action and drama from the bad guys! Maddox handles it all like a champ, but he is also dealing with his personal baggage. And he has found his mate too! So much going on, and I couldn’t put it down. Fantastic story that I loved reading!
I highly recommend to shifter fans who love unique stories involving all sorts of unique shifters! Check out this series!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I received a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book! I buy most of Zoe Chant’s books because I love her HEAs and her style of writing! I haven’t gotten this one yet, but I will!
The cover is pretty awesome!
This is the 5th book in this series! You can read the book standalone, but it is much better reading them all and knowing all the awesomeness! It is for adults only due to the steamy content!
This is Maddox’s story. He has been wandering since he left Darius’ employment. He stumbles onto some teens who need help, and the town needs it even more. Lots of action and drama from the bad guys! Maddox handles it all like a champ, but he is also dealing with his personal baggage. And he has found his mate too! So much going on, and I couldn’t put it down. Fantastic story that I loved reading!
I highly recommend to shifter fans who love unique stories involving all sorts of unique shifters! Check out this series!
August 11, 2022
This one was interesting as Maddox seemed to be on a journey to discover who he was after all that happened with Darius. I found it funny that he ended where he did and turning out to the be the little guy trying to stop the bully from getting what he wanted. Maddox was well suited to this roll as he worked on the other side for most of his life, he knew what was likely going on and how to counter what he found.
I really liked how taken Maddox was with Verity and Bailey and how funny that Verity owned a tea shop and he is a bull shifter. Maddox was so gentle with both women at the start, it was fun to see that at times Verity ended up being the aggressor in the relationship. While very different, these two worked.
I really liked the path that Maddox chose to beat the bad guy, starting with running for Sheriff, then tackling the head bad guy once he went after Verity.
The ending to this one was great! Loved how things changed for Maddox and Verity with the best changes just ahead for them.
I really liked how taken Maddox was with Verity and Bailey and how funny that Verity owned a tea shop and he is a bull shifter. Maddox was so gentle with both women at the start, it was fun to see that at times Verity ended up being the aggressor in the relationship. While very different, these two worked.
I really liked the path that Maddox chose to beat the bad guy, starting with running for Sheriff, then tackling the head bad guy once he went after Verity.
The ending to this one was great! Loved how things changed for Maddox and Verity with the best changes just ahead for them.
March 27, 2019
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
It was a great book !
Maddox is ready to turn his life around.
He wants to be better.
Beware of what you wish for!
Verity is trying to hold on to her tea shop from a greedy landowner.
It does not help that the sheriff is corrupt, and she is blind.
Enter Maddox to the rescue!
Loved the characters + the storytelling!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
It was a great book !
Maddox is ready to turn his life around.
He wants to be better.
Beware of what you wish for!
Verity is trying to hold on to her tea shop from a greedy landowner.
It does not help that the sheriff is corrupt, and she is blind.
Enter Maddox to the rescue!
Loved the characters + the storytelling!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
March 27, 2019
When the blind can see
Oh my goodness! I am so glad that we got to see Maddox find his HEA. He might be a big, burly bull shifter, but he found just what he needed in this gentle blind woman and her niece. The author did a fabulous job of showing us the true essence of Maddox and who he really wants to be. I can’t wait to read the next book from this author.
Oh my goodness! I am so glad that we got to see Maddox find his HEA. He might be a big, burly bull shifter, but he found just what he needed in this gentle blind woman and her niece. The author did a fabulous job of showing us the true essence of Maddox and who he really wants to be. I can’t wait to read the next book from this author.
Want to read
November 25, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/25/2020)! 🎁
April 8, 2019
About a chance meeting, an unexpected connection, and a unique romance that survives the worst of situations. Engaging characters and easy reading.
My free opinion. Thanks
My free opinion. Thanks
August 22, 2020
Where the main plot line was Darius dealing with the renegade Gargoyle, this one deals with a corrupt landowner attempting to swallow up an old silver mining town of Silvermine. Maddox has been wandering all over the country, trying to figure out his life, when he has a run-in with the corrupt sheriff of Silvermine, a dog leashed by Drucker to do his bidding. His original order was to kill Maddox, but the bull shifter escaped but barely, only to be found by the aunt of the young teenage girl whom Maddox had rescued from the sheriff. Verity, the girl's aunt, takes him in as thanks, but that's when he realizes she's his physical/spiritual mate. She's a blind tea shop owner whose being stalked by Drucker to sell her property, but her repeated refusals has only brought about tons of harassment by both the sheriff and Drucker. So what does Maddox do? Why not run for sheriff?
I found this book to be better than your usual of this particular ilk. (Haven't we've seen TV overuse this template?) What the author has managed to do is to keep this story from always following the usual twists and turns to the point of absolutely boredom. At least she did a better job than that. Exposition was decent. Her characters' touch with reality was better than most. Yes, we do have a rather blatant deus ex machina in the end, but it is better than most. I rather enjoyed the epilogue which was satisfying for this series. Still, I think there should had been better research on the topic of living as a lifelong blind person. I remember a few other books in the PNR genre who did a better job in establishing this norm. I wonder if the writer's research included an actual, lifelong blind consultant? I don't think so. It certainly didn't feel like it.
I would have to say that the writer did get chronic injury and pain right. I would not recommend reading this book if you are going through an increase in osteoarthritic pain because of weather changes to the worse. I must have ached twice as badly because I couldn't help but to empathize with Maddox's chronic injuries.
Now my BIGGEST pet peeve with this book. It wasn't the storyline itself. Is was the cover. MADDOX IS NOT A TWENTY-SOMETHING LIFEGUARD HOTTIE!!!!! I found the cover selection to be insulting to intelligent readers. Did Zoe Chant not think we'd read her book unless it had a much younger person representing Maddox on the cover? If she did, she is sorely misreading her readership. We all know Maddox is older and definitely more gruff and worn around the edges with visible injuries and TONS OF TATTOOS!!!!!!! This guy has more tribal-organized tats than what was described in the book. This is why I subtracted a star. Cover is like pizza. The crust is 70% of the pizza's ratings. The cover is the hook, but this is ridiculous! I've never chosen a cover so far different from the reality of the story as this one appears.
As of this much into the series, I'm keeping my reading at KU only. We'll see about Book 6.
I found this book to be better than your usual of this particular ilk. (Haven't we've seen TV overuse this template?) What the author has managed to do is to keep this story from always following the usual twists and turns to the point of absolutely boredom. At least she did a better job than that. Exposition was decent. Her characters' touch with reality was better than most. Yes, we do have a rather blatant deus ex machina in the end, but it is better than most. I rather enjoyed the epilogue which was satisfying for this series. Still, I think there should had been better research on the topic of living as a lifelong blind person. I remember a few other books in the PNR genre who did a better job in establishing this norm. I wonder if the writer's research included an actual, lifelong blind consultant? I don't think so. It certainly didn't feel like it.
I would have to say that the writer did get chronic injury and pain right. I would not recommend reading this book if you are going through an increase in osteoarthritic pain because of weather changes to the worse. I must have ached twice as badly because I couldn't help but to empathize with Maddox's chronic injuries.
Now my BIGGEST pet peeve with this book. It wasn't the storyline itself. Is was the cover. MADDOX IS NOT A TWENTY-SOMETHING LIFEGUARD HOTTIE!!!!! I found the cover selection to be insulting to intelligent readers. Did Zoe Chant not think we'd read her book unless it had a much younger person representing Maddox on the cover? If she did, she is sorely misreading her readership. We all know Maddox is older and definitely more gruff and worn around the edges with visible injuries and TONS OF TATTOOS!!!!!!! This guy has more tribal-organized tats than what was described in the book. This is why I subtracted a star. Cover is like pizza. The crust is 70% of the pizza's ratings. The cover is the hook, but this is ridiculous! I've never chosen a cover so far different from the reality of the story as this one appears.
As of this much into the series, I'm keeping my reading at KU only. We'll see about Book 6.
June 5, 2021
Just finished Bull in a Tea Shop (Bodyguard Shifters Book #5) by Zoe Chant. While this book could be read as a stand alone story and it would be fine but it does work better to have read the other books in the series. I am loving this series and was waiting for Maddox to get his own story. I gave it a 5 out of 5 star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️review in Amazon and Goodreads. Definitely recommend this book if you like paranormal romance or bad boys that become good men.
December 19, 2019
This is an OK shifter romance, but I did have minor issues with it. It gets 3.5 stars from me, rounded down to 3 stars.
It has been a while since I read the earlier books in the series, so I didn't really remember much about Maddox. I did like him, though, and liked that he wanted to be a better person. I also liked Verity, and how she was willing to give Maddox a chance to prove he could change -- even though she had guessed that he had done bad things in his past.
I liked, too, that Maddox saved Verity's niece and her boyfriend -- and how they both practically worshiped him after that.
I did think that the sudden transformation of the evil Sheriff Hawkins was unbelievable. Someone who was that willing to do bad things would not have changed so quickly, or so completely -- just because Maddox scared him? That just wasn't very believable.
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.
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.
It has been a while since I read the earlier books in the series, so I didn't really remember much about Maddox. I did like him, though, and liked that he wanted to be a better person. I also liked Verity, and how she was willing to give Maddox a chance to prove he could change -- even though she had guessed that he had done bad things in his past.
I liked, too, that Maddox saved Verity's niece and her boyfriend -- and how they both practically worshiped him after that.
I did think that the sudden transformation of the evil Sheriff Hawkins was unbelievable. Someone who was that willing to do bad things would not have changed so quickly, or so completely -- just because Maddox scared him? That just wasn't very believable.
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.
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.
March 28, 2019
Mates!!!
Maddox Murphy, a Bull shifter who used to work for Darius Keegan ( DAY CARE DRAGON ). He reached the small town of Silvermine, Arizona. Even though he had no clues about what he was looking for, he knew it wasn't the life he left behind. As he made his way to the café, he came across the sheriff and some thugs who were assaulting two teenagers. He stepped in and save the day.
Only to fund himself in danger afterwards. Thanks goodness, the children (Luke and Bailey) helped him after he was injured. They took him to her aunt Verity's place. Not only was he hurt but there was a wall between him and his inner animal.
Verity Breslin was the owner of a tea shop named Whistletop. For years she had been raising her teenage niece, Bailey. Despite her blindness, she wasn't about to let a corrupt sheriff and his idiot puppet master Ducker strong-arm her out of her business. She found Maddox in her shed and took care of him when she learned why he did for Bailey and Luke.
She felt as if she'd known the newcomer all her life. It turned out that she was indeed his mate. He decided to ran for sheriff against the current sheriff. Bailey was happy that her aunt and Maddox were finally together. As they prepared for his campaign, the danger surrounding them grew.
Maddox wasn't about to let sheriff Kawkins and Ducker harm the people he'd come to know and love. With the help of his bull and some old friends, together they took care of the evildoers.
When all was said and done, Maddox finally found what he was looking for.
A BULL IN A TEA SHOP is the fifth book in Zoe Chant's BODYGUARD SHIFTERS series. It was fast-paced, beautiful and captivating. Excellent job by Zoe Chant. 5 Stars!
****I received a free copy from the author, without any obligation to review.***
Maddox Murphy, a Bull shifter who used to work for Darius Keegan ( DAY CARE DRAGON ). He reached the small town of Silvermine, Arizona. Even though he had no clues about what he was looking for, he knew it wasn't the life he left behind. As he made his way to the café, he came across the sheriff and some thugs who were assaulting two teenagers. He stepped in and save the day.
Only to fund himself in danger afterwards. Thanks goodness, the children (Luke and Bailey) helped him after he was injured. They took him to her aunt Verity's place. Not only was he hurt but there was a wall between him and his inner animal.
Verity Breslin was the owner of a tea shop named Whistletop. For years she had been raising her teenage niece, Bailey. Despite her blindness, she wasn't about to let a corrupt sheriff and his idiot puppet master Ducker strong-arm her out of her business. She found Maddox in her shed and took care of him when she learned why he did for Bailey and Luke.
She felt as if she'd known the newcomer all her life. It turned out that she was indeed his mate. He decided to ran for sheriff against the current sheriff. Bailey was happy that her aunt and Maddox were finally together. As they prepared for his campaign, the danger surrounding them grew.
Maddox wasn't about to let sheriff Kawkins and Ducker harm the people he'd come to know and love. With the help of his bull and some old friends, together they took care of the evildoers.
When all was said and done, Maddox finally found what he was looking for.
A BULL IN A TEA SHOP is the fifth book in Zoe Chant's BODYGUARD SHIFTERS series. It was fast-paced, beautiful and captivating. Excellent job by Zoe Chant. 5 Stars!
****I received a free copy from the author, without any obligation to review.***
April 17, 2021
A Bull in a China Shop? NO ,in a Tea Shop! Clever, original! Entertaining!
There is a very entertaining, tongue in cheek humor to Zoe Chant's, 5th book in her Bodyguard Shifters series. This novel picks up where Book 4, Daycare Dragon, left off. Though it could be read as a stand alone (There were no cliffhangers per se, in previous books), it does refer to previous events and characters. Zoe Chant however, has a knack for building believable worlds and characters that capture your heart from the very first page. She slowly and carefully crafts these into multi-dimensional beings as the story unfolds. And her fence of humor shows when she places an old world bull shifter in a blind women's tea shop. Add to this a corrupt sheriff and an evil, absurdly rich villain and you have an action pack storyline that Zoe is famous for. There is nothing cliche about Zoe Chant's tales, though, she does always deliver on the happily ever after you expect in a paranormal romance. She always adds that twist that has you wondering up to the last minute if good will really triumph over evil. Or will the hero have to resort to not so legal means to end the conflict and save the day. Zoe Chant's female protagonists are not your usual damsels in distress though at first glance they Don't appear to be that strong. Her women are fierce, independent women who are determined to be treated as equal partners in any relationship. This is especially true with Verity who owns the Tea Shop in this book. She would have to be strong to not be overwhelmed by a bully sheriff and a bull of a boyfriend!
Zoe Chant is on my Must Read Shelf of authors. The fact that most of her books are on my Kindle Unlimited subscription, makes it easy for me to reach for the next book in the series without any wait. Try her books, especially Bull in a Tea Shop! I believe you will really like it!
There is a very entertaining, tongue in cheek humor to Zoe Chant's, 5th book in her Bodyguard Shifters series. This novel picks up where Book 4, Daycare Dragon, left off. Though it could be read as a stand alone (There were no cliffhangers per se, in previous books), it does refer to previous events and characters. Zoe Chant however, has a knack for building believable worlds and characters that capture your heart from the very first page. She slowly and carefully crafts these into multi-dimensional beings as the story unfolds. And her fence of humor shows when she places an old world bull shifter in a blind women's tea shop. Add to this a corrupt sheriff and an evil, absurdly rich villain and you have an action pack storyline that Zoe is famous for. There is nothing cliche about Zoe Chant's tales, though, she does always deliver on the happily ever after you expect in a paranormal romance. She always adds that twist that has you wondering up to the last minute if good will really triumph over evil. Or will the hero have to resort to not so legal means to end the conflict and save the day. Zoe Chant's female protagonists are not your usual damsels in distress though at first glance they Don't appear to be that strong. Her women are fierce, independent women who are determined to be treated as equal partners in any relationship. This is especially true with Verity who owns the Tea Shop in this book. She would have to be strong to not be overwhelmed by a bully sheriff and a bull of a boyfriend!
Zoe Chant is on my Must Read Shelf of authors. The fact that most of her books are on my Kindle Unlimited subscription, makes it easy for me to reach for the next book in the series without any wait. Try her books, especially Bull in a Tea Shop! I believe you will really like it!
September 9, 2021
The couple: Maddox and Verity
Romance genre: shifters
Series: Bodyguard Shifters
Length: 214 pages
Plot: Maddox is a drifter, a bull shifter who can't seem to shift anymore. He comes across a couple of teenagers getting beat up by the local sheriff and the local rich villain and he interferes. They (the bad guys) don't take kindly to that, and they try to run him down with their car. The teenagers take him home to the girl's Aunt Verity. Verity is blind but does a really good job of taking care of herself and everyone around her, and she has Maddox patched up in no time. Maddox isn't sure she's his mate at first, but he soon realizes she is. He makes plans to stick around and rid the town of the sheriff and the villain (who are also giving Verity a lot of problems because she won't sell her shop to them). Just a few things - he needs a plan to do that, he needs to explain to Verity that they're mates, and oh, he needs to tell her he's a shifter.
Commentary: This is the second book I've read from this series, and I really enjoyed this one also. The characters are a little older than normal romance book characters, and that lends them a stability and settledness you don't always see. There's plenty of drama, but it's not coming from the usual sources. This is all villain-created, from-the-outside drama, and then the actual relationship is fairly drama-free. Their times together are carefree and lighthearted, but still passionate. They waited a long time to find each other and are willing to fight for each other, but without the dramatic screeching and stomping and running you sometimes see with younger couples. I found them to be incredibly sweet and heartwarming.
Next book in the series: Dancer Dragon
Romance genre: shifters
Series: Bodyguard Shifters
Length: 214 pages
Plot: Maddox is a drifter, a bull shifter who can't seem to shift anymore. He comes across a couple of teenagers getting beat up by the local sheriff and the local rich villain and he interferes. They (the bad guys) don't take kindly to that, and they try to run him down with their car. The teenagers take him home to the girl's Aunt Verity. Verity is blind but does a really good job of taking care of herself and everyone around her, and she has Maddox patched up in no time. Maddox isn't sure she's his mate at first, but he soon realizes she is. He makes plans to stick around and rid the town of the sheriff and the villain (who are also giving Verity a lot of problems because she won't sell her shop to them). Just a few things - he needs a plan to do that, he needs to explain to Verity that they're mates, and oh, he needs to tell her he's a shifter.
Commentary: This is the second book I've read from this series, and I really enjoyed this one also. The characters are a little older than normal romance book characters, and that lends them a stability and settledness you don't always see. There's plenty of drama, but it's not coming from the usual sources. This is all villain-created, from-the-outside drama, and then the actual relationship is fairly drama-free. Their times together are carefree and lighthearted, but still passionate. They waited a long time to find each other and are willing to fight for each other, but without the dramatic screeching and stomping and running you sometimes see with younger couples. I found them to be incredibly sweet and heartwarming.
Next book in the series: Dancer Dragon
September 15, 2024
This instalment in the Bodyguard Shifters book is now vying with Bear in a Bookshop for my favourite in the series, and once again, I think it's the combination of great disability rep, competence!pr0n and a genuine story underneath the shifter romance tropes.
Granted, that story is, itself a trope. I initially described it to myself as 'What if Roadhouse, but with shifters?' - but given that Roadhouse is itself a reinterpretation of the standard western 'drifter turns up in a town with an evil sheriff and a moneybags big bad and gets the townsfolk to take a stand', I think we can just call it a western... certain Ms Esker does in her note at the end.
Plus, I really enjoyed Verity's competence and down-to-earthness. As a blind character, she would have been so easy to write as a damsel in distress, but other than at one point I'll mention below, Ms Esker managed to completely avoid that. And I PARTICULARLY loved that at one point, Verity's blindness becomes an asset that she could use to rescue both herself and Maddox.
My only issue was a point of plot-convenient stupidity in which Verity - who's been so sensible and down-to-earth the entire book - suddenly
But that aside, I loved everything else about this book, and I'm looking forward to the next instalment soon.
Granted, that story is, itself a trope. I initially described it to myself as 'What if Roadhouse, but with shifters?' - but given that Roadhouse is itself a reinterpretation of the standard western 'drifter turns up in a town with an evil sheriff and a moneybags big bad and gets the townsfolk to take a stand', I think we can just call it a western... certain Ms Esker does in her note at the end.
Plus, I really enjoyed Verity's competence and down-to-earthness. As a blind character, she would have been so easy to write as a damsel in distress, but other than at one point I'll mention below, Ms Esker managed to completely avoid that. And I PARTICULARLY loved that at one point, Verity's blindness becomes an asset that she could use to rescue both herself and Maddox.
My only issue was a point of plot-convenient stupidity in which Verity - who's been so sensible and down-to-earth the entire book - suddenly
But that aside, I loved everything else about this book, and I'm looking forward to the next instalment soon.
May 8, 2019
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
We’ve met Maddox before and BULL IN A TEA SHOP shows that anyone is worthy and capable of redemption and a second chance. He’s searching for an elusive something that always seems just out of reach over the next hill. One stop in a tiny town, intervening between some bad cops and some teens begins Maddox troubles in Silvermine and those troubles are not over by a long shot. Injured he is helped by those that he helped and taken to a place of safety (for now). He never knew that taking sanctuary in a shed would lead him to his mate — now he just has to solve their combined problems, convince his lady that he’s her one and only, and maybe take down some really bad guys as well. Not what he expected, but certainly what he needs.
BULL IN A TEA SHOP is full of what I expect in any Zoe Chant story – danger, intrigue, some humor, definitely sexy sizzles, and a really good story. We’ll meet up with some old friends, make some new ones in this zany small town and simply sit back and watch two stubborn people who never believed in love discover what it’s like to fall completely under another’s spell. I had a blast and don’t want to give anything away. So — pick up BULL IN A TEA SHOP for yourself and prepare to be drawn into Maddox and Verity’s romance.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
We’ve met Maddox before and BULL IN A TEA SHOP shows that anyone is worthy and capable of redemption and a second chance. He’s searching for an elusive something that always seems just out of reach over the next hill. One stop in a tiny town, intervening between some bad cops and some teens begins Maddox troubles in Silvermine and those troubles are not over by a long shot. Injured he is helped by those that he helped and taken to a place of safety (for now). He never knew that taking sanctuary in a shed would lead him to his mate — now he just has to solve their combined problems, convince his lady that he’s her one and only, and maybe take down some really bad guys as well. Not what he expected, but certainly what he needs.
BULL IN A TEA SHOP is full of what I expect in any Zoe Chant story – danger, intrigue, some humor, definitely sexy sizzles, and a really good story. We’ll meet up with some old friends, make some new ones in this zany small town and simply sit back and watch two stubborn people who never believed in love discover what it’s like to fall completely under another’s spell. I had a blast and don’t want to give anything away. So — pick up BULL IN A TEA SHOP for yourself and prepare to be drawn into Maddox and Verity’s romance.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
June 14, 2021
Maddox and Verify Corrupt Town Cop! 3.75***** Spoiler Alert!
Maddox, the bull shifter and Darius Keegan Dragon Lord former injured manservant/ muscle guy, did a Jack Reacher by getting off the bus in the wrong town. He rescued Bailey, blind Verity/ his mate's niece, and her boyfriend from the town crooked sheriff, Hawkins, and wrangled with the wealthy town bully Tucker in his illegal land grab. Together they stood up for the town as he ran for sheriff with his felon/ prison background and defeated Tucker after he trapped them in an abandoned silvermine, with Darius' / the FBI assistance. Yes, theirs a HEA!
Great characters, as one saw the growth of Maddox from his first interaction with Ben and Tessa, to now as he found his mate. The only major plot flaw was appointing the task of calling in the FBI to crooked Sherriff Hawkins, but surprisingly Verity has financial security unlike Tessa and Gaby. The theme of love conquering all flows through this novel, along with money being the root of all evil. A Must-Read for paranormal romantic readers. Definitely gravity defying!!
06/13/21- 06/13/21 COVID-19
Maddox, the bull shifter and Darius Keegan Dragon Lord former injured manservant/ muscle guy, did a Jack Reacher by getting off the bus in the wrong town. He rescued Bailey, blind Verity/ his mate's niece, and her boyfriend from the town crooked sheriff, Hawkins, and wrangled with the wealthy town bully Tucker in his illegal land grab. Together they stood up for the town as he ran for sheriff with his felon/ prison background and defeated Tucker after he trapped them in an abandoned silvermine, with Darius' / the FBI assistance. Yes, theirs a HEA!
Great characters, as one saw the growth of Maddox from his first interaction with Ben and Tessa, to now as he found his mate. The only major plot flaw was appointing the task of calling in the FBI to crooked Sherriff Hawkins, but surprisingly Verity has financial security unlike Tessa and Gaby. The theme of love conquering all flows through this novel, along with money being the root of all evil. A Must-Read for paranormal romantic readers. Definitely gravity defying!!
06/13/21- 06/13/21 COVID-19
May 10, 2025
The Darkness Brought Into Light
A very good story. I liked the updated look at the life of a blind person who was born that way.
I appreciated the fact that Maddox is 46, I think. I was thinking today that we say how the young people don’t know what real love is or they are too young for sex and all that, but how often do we get stories of the “right aged” people to find love and have a fulfilling sex life?
Now is when we see it. In these books.
He’s a godfather. How cool. And I think it’s a girl.
I got my “cameo” but I didn’t get the payout I was expecting as well. But I feel like Maddox actually was offered it again and he turned it down. Or. Or, the author forgot about it. Because for his mate and their new life together, they could use it and he would have gotten it for doing the right thing.
Yeah, they got the money they needed in the end from somewhere else, but until that payout happened, he was still penniless. But like I said it ended up working out a little time later.
Until now I knew where the next story was going to come from, but I don’t know now. I have not look to see which story is next. Guess I should go and find out.
A very good story. I liked the updated look at the life of a blind person who was born that way.
I appreciated the fact that Maddox is 46, I think. I was thinking today that we say how the young people don’t know what real love is or they are too young for sex and all that, but how often do we get stories of the “right aged” people to find love and have a fulfilling sex life?
Now is when we see it. In these books.
He’s a godfather. How cool. And I think it’s a girl.
I got my “cameo” but I didn’t get the payout I was expecting as well. But I feel like Maddox actually was offered it again and he turned it down. Or. Or, the author forgot about it. Because for his mate and their new life together, they could use it and he would have gotten it for doing the right thing.
Yeah, they got the money they needed in the end from somewhere else, but until that payout happened, he was still penniless. But like I said it ended up working out a little time later.
Until now I knew where the next story was going to come from, but I don’t know now. I have not look to see which story is next. Guess I should go and find out.
April 6, 2019
Great continuation of the series
I remember a bit about Maddox from the previous story in this series. It's a year later, and Maddox is dropped off in a small town in Arizona. Once there he ends up saving 2 teens from being beat up by the sheriff and his goons. The kids help him after the sheriff retaliated. They take him to the girl's Aunt Verity. This is where it gets interesting, because Verity has been blind since birth. I loved having her as the heroine. She is exactly what I wanted to see and yet so different from what I expected. Maddox is the bad boy trying to turn good. He has some different shifter issues to deal with, too. The lively pace moves the story along, with an upbeat tone, a character oriented storyline with some action and steamy scenes, as well as vibrant characters who make you root for them! There are sweet scenes nd some fun scenes. The teens are cute! If this sounds good to you, get it and sit back and enjoy! Then go back and read all the rest in this series if you haven't already!
I remember a bit about Maddox from the previous story in this series. It's a year later, and Maddox is dropped off in a small town in Arizona. Once there he ends up saving 2 teens from being beat up by the sheriff and his goons. The kids help him after the sheriff retaliated. They take him to the girl's Aunt Verity. This is where it gets interesting, because Verity has been blind since birth. I loved having her as the heroine. She is exactly what I wanted to see and yet so different from what I expected. Maddox is the bad boy trying to turn good. He has some different shifter issues to deal with, too. The lively pace moves the story along, with an upbeat tone, a character oriented storyline with some action and steamy scenes, as well as vibrant characters who make you root for them! There are sweet scenes nd some fun scenes. The teens are cute! If this sounds good to you, get it and sit back and enjoy! Then go back and read all the rest in this series if you haven't already!
April 10, 2019
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily leave my honest review.
I want to start by saying the cover is perfect (while I usually enjoy the cover designs and the smokin' hot men that are usually on them, it doesn't worry me that they aren't perfect description of the characters or who I envision) but this one was fantastic, loved his bull and the cover model!
I wasn't too sure how I'd like Maddox's story as he was portrayed as a bit of a thug when he was first introduced in the earlier books, but he certainly redeemed himself in Darius's book so I was happy to see him get his own HEA.
I do have a thing for the big, strong, sexy silent type I must admit and Maddox fit that bill perfectly. I loved how his true nature shone through and he wanted to help Verity and the community.
Verity was a very strong, independent woman, who while has her own set of challenges, she can "see" the good in Maddox.
This one had a little bit of dram that was solved really quickly and some great secondary characters.
Overall a great addition to this really enjoyable series.
I want to start by saying the cover is perfect (while I usually enjoy the cover designs and the smokin' hot men that are usually on them, it doesn't worry me that they aren't perfect description of the characters or who I envision) but this one was fantastic, loved his bull and the cover model!
I wasn't too sure how I'd like Maddox's story as he was portrayed as a bit of a thug when he was first introduced in the earlier books, but he certainly redeemed himself in Darius's book so I was happy to see him get his own HEA.
I do have a thing for the big, strong, sexy silent type I must admit and Maddox fit that bill perfectly. I loved how his true nature shone through and he wanted to help Verity and the community.
Verity was a very strong, independent woman, who while has her own set of challenges, she can "see" the good in Maddox.
This one had a little bit of dram that was solved really quickly and some great secondary characters.
Overall a great addition to this really enjoyable series.
November 29, 2020
The road to redemption. Maddox a bull shifter is nomad and drifter after the events of book 5. When he stumbles across 2 teens being roughed up by the town's corrupt sheriff, he's compelled to step in. When the grateful teens take him home for first aid he meets shopkeeper Verity, his mate. Verity's patches him up and offers him a place to stay. She's also attracted to him even as she realizes he's keeping secrets she can't begin to imagine. He decides to stay and take on the sheriff and his cronies even though he's not sure he's any better than they are given his past. Verity helps him realize he can remake himself. One of the great things about Zoe Chant's books is the playfulness/whimsy of her characters in their shifted forms. The umbrage of Maddox's bull at continuously being mistaken for a cow is laugh out loud funny. I also liked that Verity's blindness isn't just a plot device but simply part of who she is. Darius - Maddox's former boss also makes a timely and comical cameo in the book.
May 21, 2021
Maddox is looking for a new start. He's got a bum hip, from his injuries he got while helping Darius. He's dejected, and roaming from town to town ... trying to figure out where to go from here.
A small town in Arizona seems to be where fate has dumped him. On his way to finding dinner, he stumbles on a couple of kids getting roughed up by the sheriff and local thug. Set on doing the right thing, he helps the kids, and is injured in the process by the sheriff. The kids, helping him in kind ... take him to her aunt ... who happens to be his mate ... he thinks. She's blind, and not having direct eye contact is confusing him and his animal ... and he's got his own personal issues that is causing doubts.
All he knows is, he needs to protect Verity ... and he finds himself in the process. I loved how he steps up to fix the corruption in this small town. The finale of this book is awesome!
A small town in Arizona seems to be where fate has dumped him. On his way to finding dinner, he stumbles on a couple of kids getting roughed up by the sheriff and local thug. Set on doing the right thing, he helps the kids, and is injured in the process by the sheriff. The kids, helping him in kind ... take him to her aunt ... who happens to be his mate ... he thinks. She's blind, and not having direct eye contact is confusing him and his animal ... and he's got his own personal issues that is causing doubts.
All he knows is, he needs to protect Verity ... and he finds himself in the process. I loved how he steps up to fix the corruption in this small town. The finale of this book is awesome!
July 17, 2022
Passing through town, bull shifter/former thug, Maddox Murphy has leg issues from his former job and is looking for a place to settle. When he sees the law beating up teenagers, Maddox intervenes. Angry at being thwarted the sheriff attacks Maddox but he’s saved by the teens. The female suggests hiding Maddox at her aunt Verity’s until he can travel.
Blind since birth, Verity Breslin hears the teens sneak Maddox in. Upon hearing the tale, she’s hurries to help. Aware of the danger since the corrupt sheriff follows Ducker, local land baron’s orders and they’ve gotten more aggressive in trying to force her to sell her shop.
Verity’s touch has Maddox thinking about mates and Maddox’ voice sends Verity’s imagination to the heroes of romance books. Determined to repay Verity’s kindness, Maddox decides he can’t just leave Ducker and his pet sheriff trampling over the good townsfolk.
Rating: 3.5stars
Blind since birth, Verity Breslin hears the teens sneak Maddox in. Upon hearing the tale, she’s hurries to help. Aware of the danger since the corrupt sheriff follows Ducker, local land baron’s orders and they’ve gotten more aggressive in trying to force her to sell her shop.
Verity’s touch has Maddox thinking about mates and Maddox’ voice sends Verity’s imagination to the heroes of romance books. Determined to repay Verity’s kindness, Maddox decides he can’t just leave Ducker and his pet sheriff trampling over the good townsfolk.
Rating: 3.5stars
August 5, 2019
Verity who has been blind all her life owns a tea shop in the small town of Silvermine, Arizona where the sheriff is corrupt and does the deeds of a greedy landowner. Bull shifter, Maddox, used to work as hired muscle for men like the landowner but is trying to start over and has been drifting from town to town. When he's coming into Silvermine, he hears screaming and comes upon the sheriff beating a teen boy and holding a young girl. He saves the teens but later gets hit with a pickup. The teens then take him to the young girl's aunt, Verity. Maddox decides he wants to help Verity and the town members who are living in fear so winds up running for sheriff.
This book was well-written with well-rounded characters you love to get to know even though you may not like them all. I highly recommend the book and the series which I suggest you read in order.
This book was well-written with well-rounded characters you love to get to know even though you may not like them all. I highly recommend the book and the series which I suggest you read in order.
November 18, 2020
Confused
Verity and Maddock were unusual characters.
I liked them individually and sometimes together but I never bought the story of them coming together as mates. Several things were out of place to me. The whole evil small town land baron felt unnecessary. Did not believe anyone would have not went to state government over issue. Or would have not know charter.
Should have just been about couple coming to trust and love each other.. his not having money? No way believable. He was working for billionaire for years, his accounts were not stolen like boss. Not to mention previous to his jail time he would not have trusted banks and hid his past earnings until he was sprung. Not to mention since he did not rat, most bosses would reward loyalty and kept his place or items from home in storage. As well giving him money for silence.
Loved her niece and her boyfriend.
Verity and Maddock were unusual characters.
I liked them individually and sometimes together but I never bought the story of them coming together as mates. Several things were out of place to me. The whole evil small town land baron felt unnecessary. Did not believe anyone would have not went to state government over issue. Or would have not know charter.
Should have just been about couple coming to trust and love each other.. his not having money? No way believable. He was working for billionaire for years, his accounts were not stolen like boss. Not to mention previous to his jail time he would not have trusted banks and hid his past earnings until he was sprung. Not to mention since he did not rat, most bosses would reward loyalty and kept his place or items from home in storage. As well giving him money for silence.
Loved her niece and her boyfriend.
March 30, 2019
Bill in a Tea Shop, Bodyguard Shifters, Book 5.
I've really enjoyed this book, it's been awhile since I read a Zoe Chant book and I think I better do some catching up!!
Maddock is a bull shifter, injured in a fight some time previously, he's travelling the country with no specific destination in mind. He's trying to redeem himself, he's had enough of being the muscle for the bad guys, throwing his weight around. He finds himself in a small town in Arizona.
Verity owns a Tea Shop, growing and harvesting herbs to make different tea blends, she's been blind since birth, taking care of her teenage niece as well as running the Tea Shop.
This is their story with plenty of small town drama thrown in. A really enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend it!
I've really enjoyed this book, it's been awhile since I read a Zoe Chant book and I think I better do some catching up!!
Maddock is a bull shifter, injured in a fight some time previously, he's travelling the country with no specific destination in mind. He's trying to redeem himself, he's had enough of being the muscle for the bad guys, throwing his weight around. He finds himself in a small town in Arizona.
Verity owns a Tea Shop, growing and harvesting herbs to make different tea blends, she's been blind since birth, taking care of her teenage niece as well as running the Tea Shop.
This is their story with plenty of small town drama thrown in. A really enjoyable read. Thoroughly recommend it!
April 5, 2019
It gives me hope.
Kindle Unlimited purchase
By Zoe Chant
What a great addition to the series! Maddox is an Ox shifter trying to find himself. Instead, he finds his mate and she is perfect.
Verity is a wonder. She raised her niece from a young age opened her own business all while being blind. No, she's a strong woman she wouldn't let a SMALL thing like blindness stop her from anything.
Maddox is dropped off on the side of the road. On his way into this small town, he hears something that he needs to investigate. When he saw two teenagers getting beat up by adults he knew he needed to step in.
Like the rest of this series, I could not put it down. I love when the author writes about the OLDER group. Most of the romances they are around 20 years old. So reading about finding your true love in your later years gives me hope.
Kindle Unlimited purchase
By Zoe Chant
What a great addition to the series! Maddox is an Ox shifter trying to find himself. Instead, he finds his mate and she is perfect.
Verity is a wonder. She raised her niece from a young age opened her own business all while being blind. No, she's a strong woman she wouldn't let a SMALL thing like blindness stop her from anything.
Maddox is dropped off on the side of the road. On his way into this small town, he hears something that he needs to investigate. When he saw two teenagers getting beat up by adults he knew he needed to step in.
Like the rest of this series, I could not put it down. I love when the author writes about the OLDER group. Most of the romances they are around 20 years old. So reading about finding your true love in your later years gives me hope.
August 22, 2021
Totally mismatched but mates?
Maddox uses his shifter speed & strength to help 2 teenagers, unknowingly stepping into the middle of a corrupt police force working for a greedy businessman trying to take over the town. When Maddox gets run over by the sheriff because his hip injury prevents him from getting out of the way, the teens, Bailey and Luke, come to his aid.
Verity may be blind but she is the owner of a tea shop, raising her teenage niece, and she refuses to sell. When Bailey trys to sneak Maddox into the shed out back to help him hide and clean his wounds, Verity instantly knows something is going on.
The plot moves quickly with several unexpected twists. Great read!
Maddox uses his shifter speed & strength to help 2 teenagers, unknowingly stepping into the middle of a corrupt police force working for a greedy businessman trying to take over the town. When Maddox gets run over by the sheriff because his hip injury prevents him from getting out of the way, the teens, Bailey and Luke, come to his aid.
Verity may be blind but she is the owner of a tea shop, raising her teenage niece, and she refuses to sell. When Bailey trys to sneak Maddox into the shed out back to help him hide and clean his wounds, Verity instantly knows something is going on.
The plot moves quickly with several unexpected twists. Great read!
September 3, 2023
A Bull in a Tea Shop....
Maddox has been drifting around for quite awhile when he happens upon a small town he plans to get a quick bite to eat and sleep for the night. Instead he hears two teenagers being harassed by a cop and his deputies. He stops the cops and makes them release the teenagers. The sheriff ends up hitting him with his patrol car. Maddox is a bull shifter. Maddox is hurt but the girl he had rescued grabs him and takes him home with her. Verity is the aunt who has custody of the girl. Verity is blind but she still knows someone is in her yard. The whole story is told to Verity. After all is said and done, Maddox runs for sheriff and wins. Love has definitely been a very strong aspect for Maddox and his mate, Verity.
Maddox has been drifting around for quite awhile when he happens upon a small town he plans to get a quick bite to eat and sleep for the night. Instead he hears two teenagers being harassed by a cop and his deputies. He stops the cops and makes them release the teenagers. The sheriff ends up hitting him with his patrol car. Maddox is a bull shifter. Maddox is hurt but the girl he had rescued grabs him and takes him home with her. Verity is the aunt who has custody of the girl. Verity is blind but she still knows someone is in her yard. The whole story is told to Verity. After all is said and done, Maddox runs for sheriff and wins. Love has definitely been a very strong aspect for Maddox and his mate, Verity.
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