Co-parenting a baby pegasus with the hottest guy you’ve ever met? That’s easy.
Learning to love Vegemite? That’s hard.
Myrtle thought her Australia trip was to study endangered moths. But her grant proposal should've said, “I propose to co-parent a baby pegasus shifter with an insatiable appetite for mashed apples while getting chased across the outback with a smoking hot Australian cop named Hector. Did I mention that he’s smoking hot?"
But Hector isn’t just any incredibly hot cop with an amazing accent – he’s also a griffin shifter, and he’s certainly being cagey about showing her his badge.
As an undercover operative for a secret law enforcement agency, Hector’s plan to take down a smuggling ring didn’t include a gorgeous woman who turned out to be his mate, the adorable baby pegasus who captured both of their hearts, or the deadly conspiracy that now has them on the run in the wild outback.
Now all Hector has to do is protect his new family, survive a landscape that’s trying to kill them, defeat the shadowy enemy that threatens to destroy them all… and teach his mate to appreciate Vegemite.
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.
The following ratings are out of 5: Romance: 🩵🖤❤️💚 Heat/Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 Story/Plot: 📕📗📙📘 World building: 🌏🌍🌎 Character development: ☹️☺️😍😄 Narrator(s): 🎙🎙🎙🎙 Narration type: Dual Narration
The heroine:Myrtle - she was a human woman who was in Australia to study the migration patterns of a local moth species. People tended to think she was a bit weird, but she loved what she did. When she was out one night, she was mistaken for someone else because of her American accent. It was a biker gang who expected for her to buy a black-market egg. She didn’t approve of them selling the egg to whatever shady character would buy illegal and endangered wildlife, so she grabbed the egg and ran.
The Hero:Hector - he was a griffin shifter and worked as an agent for a secret law enforcement agency for mythic shifters. Shifters were tougher and stronger than normal humans and the shifters like him of what was thought to be mythical creatures were very rare. He is on assignment trying to take down a motorcycle gang that was trafficking in illegal wildlife as well as some heavy drugs. He had been working for years to take down the gang.
The Story: When Hector sees the human female steal the egg and being chased by the members of the biker gang, he comes to the rescue. He gets her out of town, and they have to hide out in a safe house. When the egg hatches and a miniature Pegasus comes out of it, Myrtle immediately knows that her life has changed. Hector tells her that the Pegasus was the last of its kind and the gang would be wanting it back, he also knows that Myrtle is his mate and that he wants to protect both her and the Pegasus.
I like books about shifter types that aren’t your normal wolf shifters, so this one was perfect for me. There was a lot of action and suspense, which I liked, though the world building could have been done a bit better. And what was up with the names? Myrtle and Hector are not exactly the names that come to mind when you think of romantic Heroes and heroines. When members of the biker gang infiltrate Hector’s agency things get pretty dicey for the two main characters. The book was ok, but I thought more could have been done with the story.
This audiobook was told in dual points of view via dual narration and was narrated by Summer Morton and John Hartley. They both have decent voices, though aren’t on my list of favorite narrators. John Hartley’s voice reminds me a bit of Russel Crowe.
I love Ruby. She's my true hero in this story. Myrtle and Hector were okay. As usual with Zoe Chant's books, you just fly through the pages of these books like a griffin is carrying you. I'll keep this short: I liked this, it didn't get broing for a minute but it wasn't a highlight. Moving on to Callan's story.
3.5 stars This was a lot cuter than I expected, it’s basically a romance between a griffin shifter and a nerdy lepidopterist. Both Hector and Myrtle were extremely likeable throughout the book. They meet when Myrtle is trying to save a mysterious blue egg and Hector is working undercover to catch some smugglers. There was a bit of insta-love that worked well, and I found their relationship to be quite sweet. Conflicts were mostly external, with an evil snake shifter, a kidnapping, and a cute Pegasus/unicorn hybrid baby with magical powers. Things move quickly as Hector and Myrtle race to save the supernatural baby, which they name Ruby. I loved the setting in Australia, and the references to local life in the outback. The next book is about Callan, Hector’s co-worker and friend and it’s also set in Australia.
*WARNING* contains sexual content Great story. Well edited. What I liked best was the mythical shifters. This author didn't go with the basic animals, I'm not sure if these were real or just born straight from Chant's imagination. There are sex scenes in here, but I think this story shows just how far they'd go or how much one would do to save someone they loved.
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest! This was a great book ! Myrtle was in Australia to study moths. Instead, she is taking cared of a baby girl Pegasus-shifter. How did this happens? Hector was undercover in Australian to stop some smugglers. Instead, he got Myrtle and a baby Pegasus. How much complicated could it get ? You will have to read the book to find out. It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book! I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I was privileged enough to receive an advanced reader copy of this book from the author for a voluntary and honest review. Such a good read. As soon as I started it I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next story.
A great story about a griffin, a human mate and an Alicorn? Lol. Loved it! Hector falls for his Myrtle all while rescuing what they believe is a Pegasus, or is it? You'll have to read it to find out. 4 solid stars
This was an uneven book. Parts of it were unexpected, parts were not. The setup was unusual and good, with the different Australian shifter types, the FMC Myrtle’s work as a lepidopterist and baby alicorns. The romance was a typical ‘My mate!’ love at first sight/touch, and evil corporation villains are an overused trope. I did like both Myrtle, who is competent, strong and intelligent, and Hector, who had integrity, a sense of humor and didn’t take himself too seriously. As this is a curvy girl romance Myrtle had a bit of negative body image to overcome, but not too much and Ms. Chant didn’t make a big deal of it. More “Myrtle feels less than her sisters and brothers”, not “Myrtle feels less than human.” There are a couple of rather short and explicit, but not overly detailed or clinical, sex scenes—which seem to be required now in Romantic Fantasy. They could easily be skipped or sped-through, if that’s not your thing. I would definitely have traded them for more plot resolution as I thought that was the weakest aspect of the book.
SPOILER
My main issue: like another reviewer, I was dissatisfied with the (non)resolution of how the MCs were betrayed and captured. Myrtle and Hector both knew there was a mole or some kind of info leak, but after they escaped, it was never mentioned again. Hector didn’t seem to feel any hesitation about entrusting Ruby’s safety to his organization, despite the real risk that it had a major leak.
Not sure if I’ll keep going with this series. It was enjoyable fluff and could have been more, but wasn’t. . .I’m just not sure if the other books in this series will be any different. For the most part, I want something meatier to read, but if light and entertaining is what you’re after, this book may work for you.
Myrtle Atkins was a lepidopterist who was a part of an academic field trip visit town of Good Fortune, Australia. In order to find out the reasons why certain moth species were becoming nearly nonexistent. When she walked in the pub she didn't think she was making a great first impression. Especially not after all the mishaps she had during the day.
As she was leaving she was approached by a man who mistook her for someone else. He was smuggling eggs out of the country and thought she was the buyer. She immediately realized what they were doing, took the egg and ran like a bat out of he!!. She was rescued by a handsome stranger.
Hector Richardson, a Griffin shifter who worked for a secret supernatural secretive organization. They specialized in handling criminals that the humans organizations couldn't handle. He had been following some smugglers for three months and in a blink of an eye all fell apart because of the most beautiful, caring and smart woman he'd ever met, Myrtle Atkins.
She was his mate, and the egg she had in her position was a Pegasus. They found themselves being hunted by the bikers but that didn't stop them from getting to know each other better. They were also co-parenting Ruby, their baby girl Pegasi. When Hector told Myrtle about the supernatural world, their bond and everything in-between, she took it like a champ.
The little "family" found themselves in peril once again when the criminal organization, Hagr hijacked their helicopter. They worked together to make it out of the foe's grasp. Turned out that Ruby was more than they thought. It was great to see Myrtle finally get her HEA.
HECTOR is the first book in Zoe Chant's series,
OUTBACK SHIFTERS
. It was captivating, fun and a fantastic ride. Two thumbs up!
****I received a free copy from the author, without any obligation to review.****
So Myrtle is an american scientist, sent to Australia to study a type of moth ald its migration to better understand the reason of their decreasing number. On the first day, she runs into a group of bikers who listake her of somebody else and she ends up stealing an egg from them. Long story short, she's saved by a guy, claiming to be a cop to gets her back to his HQ. That cop is Hector, he's a griffin shifter and somewhat supernatural cop.. and Myrtle is his mate. And then the egg hatches and it's a pegasus.
I... was disappointed. The plot has so much potential and yet it just falls back on cliche shifter kidnapped having to save his mate story. I enjoyed the first 40% and the book and skimmed the rest. The characters had no depth, there was no meaningful interractions between Myrtle and Hector. Don't get me wrong I love a shifter mate / insta love type bond but I need a little more than that.
Yeah, it just fell flat for me, too bad.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Right. So. In terms of plot, this was quite a step up from the Veteran Shifters set (in that there actually WAS a clear plot in Book 1, I mean).
It wasn't a complex plot, granted, but it was a very clear, definite, actualfax plot thread outside of the romance thread, so yay for that.
And it was also a fun plot: rescue the egg and the creature that hatched from it from the EBIL POWURZ THAT WANT IT FOR THEIR OWN. Said EBIL POWURZ were very much cardboard cutout villains who were villains because they were villainous... but honestly, it was such a step up from the Veteran Shifter books that I just let it slide.
Plus, getting to know Ruby, the baby pegasus (or is she?), was kind of adorable.
In terms of relationships, though, it's probably on a level with the Veteran Shifter books. There's nothing complicated: it's basic 'shifter meets their fated mate and immediately falls in desperate instalove with them' 101 territory. Which, I mean, I know that's exactly what most people read these for, it's pretty much a core part of the Zoe Chant brand, so I have no business complaining about it... and yet. But as the trope goes, it was reasonably well done.
In fact, my only real criticism of the book was the handling of Hector's Aussie-isms - the phrases that he mostly comes out with when he's stressed. I don't know if the writer for this book is an Aussie who figured they needed to play up the idioms for American readers, or whether they're an American who learned their Aussie English from watching the Crocodile Dundee movies. Either way, I found myself twitching violently in places, albeit luckily, not too often.
In summary, yes, I'll be reading the other two in the series - although as with any good action movie, I'll be hanging my brain up at the door on the the way in.
This new series kicks off with action in the first chapter. Let me say, it just gets better from there. When Myrtle turns to confront a 'bikie' she assumes is propositioning (I use the word loosely) her, she has no idea what she's getting herself into. He's a smuggler, and when she sees the 'merchandise', she makes a snap decision to take it and run. Hector appears out of nowhere and offers help. He claims to be undercover and she is in danger. What's a girl to do (did I mention he's hot)? Hector really is in law enforcement, for a secret supernatural agency. He never expected to meet his mate in the middle of a mission. The events that follow will have you on the edge of your seat. So much happens in just a matter of days it's almost overwhelming. Hector and Myrtle definitely had chemistry. But they love they shared for Ruby was heartwarming. The introduction of this secret species, and the extent of power they have, was intriguing. This instant family had to first make it out alive before they would have a chance at a HEA, all 3 of them. I have never read a Zoe book I didn't love. The characters are well written, the story flows smoothly and there is always a happy ending. This series is going to bring many amazing stories. I hope Callan is up next, with a little more of Ruby too. I am voluntarily leaving this review of an advanced copy I received.
Hector begins the Outback Shifters series with an intense and emotional tale of two unlikely people discovering they are mates — and one extraordinary mythic shifter baby, one who steals this entire story with ease.
I adored Hector, he’s sexy, smart, sarcastic, and totally charming as a new “daddy” to a baby pegasus. It took me a bit to warm up to Myrtle, but once I did she is an amazing “mommy” for Ruby. And… Ruby. You are going to fall in love with this wee one and she is going to steal every heart and scene that she possibly can. I’m so hoping that in the future we get Ruby’s adult romance – for she’s a firecracker right now, I can’t imagine what she’ll grow into in the years to come.
With danger, action, nasty villains – and an even more repugnant boss villain – Hector certainly kept me involved throughout Myrtle and Hector’s romance. There are most definitely sexy times, and an adorable, mischievous little mythic shifter to fall in love with – can’t ask for much more in that combination!
I had such a good time in this world and cannot wait to return for Callan. Hmmm… wonder what mischief Ruby’s gotten up to with Callan recently. Yeah, I cannot wait.
I thought this first book in a series was off to a good start. But I'm just gonna be honest, and hope I don't hurt anyone's feelings with my next comment. First of all, my paternal grandmother's name was Myrtle Mae. I adored her, but that name........ I'm sorry, but I just couldn't imagine a serious love scene with the heroine being named Myrtle. In the throes of passion, I couldn't imagine a man saying "Oh, Myrtle".........insert lovemaking description. I just couldn't. I understand her parents named their kids after flowers and flowers parts, (Thorn, the brother) and she got stuck with Crepe Myrtle for her namesake, but come on. SURELY, there was another name that could have been used for this heroine!!! It distracted me throughout the whole book. Seriously. I just couldn't quite immerse myself in the book. I'm an avid reader, I read everyday, and I've NEVER come across that name before. Not even in historical fiction!!! That said, I'm onto Callan next. I'm sure I'll love the rest of the series!!!
Myrtle is a scientist who came to Australia to watch the migration of moths. She is stopped in front of a diner by a motorcycle guy who thought she was someone else. He ended up handing her an egg. She figured out that whatever animal was in it had to be saved so she grabbed it and ran. Hector is a Griffin shifter and a kind of cop who was trying to find out if the egg was real and who was supposed to buy it. He saves Myrtle and the egg. When they get to Hector's hideout, Hector calls into his boss and tells him that the egg was a fake. The egg ended up hatching for Myrtle and just as Hector sees the baby Pegasus they are surrounded by the biker gang. Hector realized that Myrtle was his mate and after they get away from all the trouble they think they are safe but end up being taken by some really bad people who want to control the powers of the little Pegasus. They all end up safe and happy. They named the baby Ruby and end up being able to keep her. So much love is so nice.
What a good story. I liked the whole story. It was full of adventure, intense kidnapping scenes, Aussie life, meeting new and unique animals and shifters. I love Ruby but I am trying to understand how you make a white animal after a red stone. Ruby was fun and gave the story someone to root for because no one wants to see a baby anything get hurt especially when you have fallen in love of it. Mee-eh! I enjoyed learning some things about Australia in this story. I would have loved what Hector said in his very Aussie way to have been translated because I still have no clue what he said! I was totally with Myrtle on that one. I look forward to learning even more about this country in the rest of the series. I am also hoping to read more about Ruby's adventures because I can do see those happening. Get the book you won't be disappointed who knew moths could be something you would root for!
Quickly, I don't summarize the plot or the book teaser in reviews. check out the one the publisher provided if you don't know the concept behind this story, we'll wait... Right then, in to the quick review. I've read airwaves if Zoe Chant's books & I become to expect good shifter romance with a dash of intrigue & adventure. This one does not disappoint. I really liked Myrtle (although I felt bad for her every time I read her name...apologies inTernet happens to be your name...but I digress...) she's fun, spunky & Zoe graced her with a fine sense of humor which really made this book stand out for me. The other character I really enjoyed was Ruby, but I shan't say more; spoilers are no fun. I'm looking forward to visiting the Outback with Zoe again when the next book is released.
Hector: Outback Shifters Book One By Zoe Chant Kindle unlimited purchase Moth Lady, Myrtle, is living the dream, she is in Australia studying the valeleaf moth. Just like most human women she finds trouble wherever she goes and today is no exception. Walking into a local bar she orders her food eats and leaves except she is followed outside. Hector doesn't know what to make of Myrtle when he first sees her come out of the bar. For one thing, he knows she beautiful, but before he can think any further **** hits the fan. I loved little Ruby. The three of them made a great family. Wounder who the next book will be about? I recommend this book to anyone over the age of 18 (sorry) because of the sexual content.
Hector is good at what he does but he was not expecting 2 find a person that needed help but come 2 find out if was his unexpected mate. Even though she's American she will b stubborn on what she believes is in and when those assholes take her 4 sum one else and she does what's best and saved a special treasure. It's hard 4 them 2 tell who's on their team anymore when they were bought 2 b evil but paybacks a bitch. Australia is a good hot place but it doesn't discourage her once she finds out the truth about him and still after her ordeal that she still able 2 c and finish her job. I hope there's a book about ruby cause she's a special girl and hopefully she'll get what she deserves in her future. Can't wait 4 more!!
What I like about all Zoe's books is that there is more story than continuous sex scene. The sex scenes get boring after a while and seem like a repeat from another book. Same scene, different author! I love the word play and the things I learn, like some of the Australian wildlife that I haven't heard of before. I looked up quolls and they are so cute! One of my favorite things when reading is checking words and events cited in a book. I also love the character growth (learning to overcome low self esteem or hesitancy in reacting to a situation) And yes, I appreciate that her books have very few typos or other types of writing errors. Makes it easier to enjoy the story. Final note. Hooray for the covers. I get that naked chests probably sell books but I like to see a face as well.
Hector is watching the bad guys to find the buyer of a possible Pegasus egg, when Myrtle gets it and runs away from the bad guys. He saves Myrtle and finds more than he expected. Myrtle is a scientist and his mate! The excitement builds from there. This story has a lot of action, but there are some vivid characters, too. The pace is breakneck, the tone is hopeful and the storyline is action AND character oriented with steamy scenes and vivid characters. If you have not read any stories by Zoe Chant, this is a good introduction for you. Enjoy!
This is a well-managed storyline. Hector, Myrtle, and baby Ruby are the most adorable family! Hector's backstory is useful for going up against a sinister and ruthless conglomerate bent on world domination. Ruby is s proper heroine, but Myrtle is rather mundane. There's plenty of tension, self-sacrifice, and mortal danger as well as a couple of surprisingly well-kept secrets to hold the reader's interest. Unanswered questions such as "How compromised is Hector's organization?" and "What's in Ruby's future?" should maintain that interest into the next story.
Romance,danger, a Griffon,a giant Snake and a one of a kind Alicorn what more could you want .
On a grant to research moths Myrtle is in the Outback, there after being mistaken for another she finds herself on the run with an extra large egg, with a man who just happened to drive in to town as she is running from the bikers. Hector didn't know why the bikers where chasing the woman he just had to help her, when she turned out to be American his first thought was jack pot he had the buyer and the egg. Till he heard her story. Follow their story as they flee further into the outback,
Hector is determined to help shifters anyway he can. Myrtle's trip to Australia wasn't supposed to get crazy. Will they be able to keep the shifter safe? Will Myrtle be able to adjust to everything being thrown at her?
I loved how in their own way both characters were trying to protect other animals. Both characters were determined to do what they could to protect the baby and each other. I loved how Myrtle kind of just rolled with the punches despite all the information coming her way. I loved how Hector fought for his family, even with the amount of pain he was in. Good read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Fun start to a new series - I'm not sure if all of this author's PNR series inhabit the same world, or if only a few are connected, but the same general rules seem to apply to most that I've read. I liked that Myrtle had a slightly unusual profession (lepidopterist studying moths) and understood her frustration with having to explain that a decline in moth populations means a decline in the cute and furry animals that eat them! Hector was a pretty standard tough good guy shifter hero, but it was cute how they both bonded with the baby pegasus.
Myrtle, Ruby, and Hector Make Three! 4.45***** Spoiler Alert!
Myrtle, a moth researcher inadvertently rescued Ruby as an alicorn smuggled egg from the Hargreaves Inc, and like wealthy foundations that become wealthier from wars in Third World countries, their plan was to hatch and control her. Hector became hers and Ruby's rescuer and her fated mate. Together they defeated the female boa snake shifter, and gained custody of Ruby from the other two alicorns, Aleeta and Taossa; Yes HEA!
Entrancing novel with good character development, with the theme of money corrupting ultimately. However the mole's identity was not determined, and the fact they broke their promise of Ruby's secrecy by involving Callan in her care and later on her niece, Rosie...loose lips sinks ships Myrtle and Hector. Glad to know Ruby's mind-whammy will return. Now onto Trent's or Callan's love saga! A Must-Read!
07/02/21-07/04/21 COVID-19
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Adventure, action, villains, shifters and magic in the Australian Outback
The first novel in this series of shifter fantasies find the heroes in the Australian Outback facing villains in illegal trade in endangered species and bikies. It introduces a villainous shifter organisation and the agents who stand against them. This is another series by Zoe Chant, writer of fated mate romances, and an example of her creativity where she conjures up unique situations in which these shifter mates meet and fall in love. As usual, there is happy outcome for the main characters.