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Shifter Bites #2
Hard Luck Hellhound
When you're a hellhound, there's no such thing as good luck—not even your true mate showing up on your doorstep.
All Russ wants is to keep his inner hellhound quiet. The last time it took over his life, it left everything in a shambles. He can't let that happen again. He just has to stick with his new routine: Run his bar and look after his regulars. (And break up mice having barroom brawls. Shifter towns can get… complicated.)
Then Anita Sanchez's car breaks down right outside his door. She's sweet, sunny, and his true mate—and he needs to keep his hands off her.
Anita's determined positivity covers an awful secret; thanks to an ancient family curse, whenever anyone touches her, it burns like hellfire.
But when Russ touches her, it feels like heaven...
She's spent years trying to avoid getting hurt. Now she's determined to get a life. She wants to start it here—and she can't imagine it without him. Because as much as she already loves this mysterious small town, she can't help loving him even more.
No matter what Russ thinks, Anita knows he's not a monster. He's the best man she's ever met, and she's going to prove it to him.
Hard Luck Hellhound is a short, sweet shifter romance with plenty of warmth and humor. If you like quirky small towns, cowboy boots, and true love that conquers all, one-click on Hard Luck Hellhound today!
All Russ wants is to keep his inner hellhound quiet. The last time it took over his life, it left everything in a shambles. He can't let that happen again. He just has to stick with his new routine: Run his bar and look after his regulars. (And break up mice having barroom brawls. Shifter towns can get… complicated.)
Then Anita Sanchez's car breaks down right outside his door. She's sweet, sunny, and his true mate—and he needs to keep his hands off her.
Anita's determined positivity covers an awful secret; thanks to an ancient family curse, whenever anyone touches her, it burns like hellfire.
But when Russ touches her, it feels like heaven...
She's spent years trying to avoid getting hurt. Now she's determined to get a life. She wants to start it here—and she can't imagine it without him. Because as much as she already loves this mysterious small town, she can't help loving him even more.
No matter what Russ thinks, Anita knows he's not a monster. He's the best man she's ever met, and she's going to prove it to him.
Hard Luck Hellhound is a short, sweet shifter romance with plenty of warmth and humor. If you like quirky small towns, cowboy boots, and true love that conquers all, one-click on Hard Luck Hellhound today!
87 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 5, 2021
325 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Chant
326 books1,509 followersZoe Chant loves writing paranormal romance. Over a cup of tea (or something stronger) she whips up sexy tales of hunky heroes and adventurous heroines to tantalize and satisfy her readers. Sizzling hot romance, no cliffhangers!
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
While series should ideally be read in order, all of Zoe’s books are standalones and can be read in any order. This includes books within series.
To get a free book for subscribing to her mailing list, please follow this link: https://www.zoechant.com/join-my-mail...
Zoe's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/32545...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 17, 2022
3.75 out of 5 stars
I tend to enjoy Zoe Chant's books this was one was no different. It felt too short to fully develop the plot. I was quite confused with the premise of Anita being cursed by a witch because until this point in most of the author's worlds there is not much magic save shifting. (The exception of the top my head is her Fae Shifter Knight series). Not that magic in these worlds is not incredibly plausible but it is SO glossed over which is why I docked it in my rating.
Now, I freaking loved Russ and how he progressed to understand his hellhound. Hellhound are up there with Pegasi, unicorns and griffins with my fav Zoe Chant hero archetype. I found how his life fell apart but he rebuilt it to be great character development. I love how Anita and him are so awkward but eventually fall for one another. Russ is the solution to all Anita's problems which might not be the best message but still my heart gushy.
I tend to enjoy Zoe Chant's books this was one was no different. It felt too short to fully develop the plot. I was quite confused with the premise of Anita being cursed by a witch because until this point in most of the author's worlds there is not much magic save shifting. (The exception of the top my head is her Fae Shifter Knight series). Not that magic in these worlds is not incredibly plausible but it is SO glossed over which is why I docked it in my rating.
Now, I freaking loved Russ and how he progressed to understand his hellhound. Hellhound are up there with Pegasi, unicorns and griffins with my fav Zoe Chant hero archetype. I found how his life fell apart but he rebuilt it to be great character development. I love how Anita and him are so awkward but eventually fall for one another. Russ is the solution to all Anita's problems which might not be the best message but still my heart gushy.
May 14, 2021
It’s a cute little story but wasn’t a five star read. The premise of the story was interesting and the writing was good. I love stories about hellhounds.
June 20, 2021
Another hit in the shifter bites series. Well, not exactly series, but these short stories are really good, and this time we have a protagonist that is cursed, and another that feels like he was cursed. When Russ got his hellhound, his life went to hell, he resented and fought with his animal, and decided that he was cursed. He was forced to leave his well crafted life and start over. Anita is cursed, unable to touch other human beings without pain, but when she finds Russ, she discovers she can touch him without pain, something she loves, but getting together is not as easy.
The book is a lot about self-discovery and facing hard odds, it's about facing life and getting over your shortcomings, and love, it's a lot about love.
The book is a lot about self-discovery and facing hard odds, it's about facing life and getting over your shortcomings, and love, it's a lot about love.
May 9, 2021
Ever since being bitten by an injured hellhound, Ross’ live has become country song. He lost his house, lost his girl, lost his job…. and gained an uncooperative hound in his head. Now in a new town, he is trying to pick-up the piece of his life and move on. This is when he meets Anita, who has her own troubles. And her broken down car is the least of them…
This is a short and sweet novella, that shows that you do not need to have a high page number count or steam on the pages to create a cute, engaging and touching love story.
(Free copy kindly received in exchange for an honest review)
This is a short and sweet novella, that shows that you do not need to have a high page number count or steam on the pages to create a cute, engaging and touching love story.
(Free copy kindly received in exchange for an honest review)
May 12, 2021
This is a cute shifter romance novella, in the Shifter Bites series. It was very short, so there wasn't time for as much character development as I normally like. It gets 3 stars from me.
I liked both Russ and Anita, and thought they were good for each other. They both had issues that they helped each other with -- him with understanding his animal, and her with her curse.
I also liked that this book contained fun side characters, residents in the small shifter town where Russ lived. I hope Zoe Chant writes more books set in this town, as the townspeople are likable.
My main problem with this novella is that it was just very short. I prefer longer books, so that there is room for more character development. This novella features shifter instalove, but there are no sex scenes, only kisses.
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.
I liked both Russ and Anita, and thought they were good for each other. They both had issues that they helped each other with -- him with understanding his animal, and her with her curse.
I also liked that this book contained fun side characters, residents in the small shifter town where Russ lived. I hope Zoe Chant writes more books set in this town, as the townspeople are likable.
My main problem with this novella is that it was just very short. I prefer longer books, so that there is room for more character development. This novella features shifter instalove, but there are no sex scenes, only kisses.
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.
May 23, 2021
A sweet shifter novella
I enjoyed this sweet novella about Russ and Anita. Russ became a hellhound shifter two years ago when he was bitten. He feels like his life imploded and as a result he lost everything and ended up living in a shifter town. Anita is cursed and as a result, she feels pain whenever anyone touches her. Anita left the over protectiveness of her family and is on her way through the town when her car breaks down in the middle of the night outside Russ’ bar. Russ’ hellhound instantly recognizes her as his true mate . Anita is overjoyed that she does not feel pain at Russ’ touch. As Russ and Anita journey to their HEA they have to learn to trust, to accept their pasts, and be willing to take a leap of faith together. Since the book was short there was not a great deal of character development but there was some for both characters. I loved the quirky town characters and the hopeful feeling of the book.
I enjoyed this sweet novella about Russ and Anita. Russ became a hellhound shifter two years ago when he was bitten. He feels like his life imploded and as a result he lost everything and ended up living in a shifter town. Anita is cursed and as a result, she feels pain whenever anyone touches her. Anita left the over protectiveness of her family and is on her way through the town when her car breaks down in the middle of the night outside Russ’ bar. Russ’ hellhound instantly recognizes her as his true mate . Anita is overjoyed that she does not feel pain at Russ’ touch. As Russ and Anita journey to their HEA they have to learn to trust, to accept their pasts, and be willing to take a leap of faith together. Since the book was short there was not a great deal of character development but there was some for both characters. I loved the quirky town characters and the hopeful feeling of the book.
November 25, 2021
Lu and George getting married is what turned this from a 4 star read to a 5 star read for me. Those two were so absolutely adorable <3 And the scene where George entices her into a date in the bar by saying "I taste like Oranges."
I loved the setting. The cozy town and all the characters were so fun.
There was also a ton of fun humor in this one. The scene with the snake shifter in the bar and the male lead (I just finished reading and already forgot his name bc let's be real, all Zoe Chant main characters are identical and indistinguishable, but that's not the point of the books) stoops down and reasons with the snake, who then turns around and slithers out of the bar XD The fact that the female lead had no idea what shifters were, that must have looked so damn wild to her.
All in all, a really fun short read.
The Shifter Bites series is definitely my favorite out of all the Zoe Chant series there are.
I loved the setting. The cozy town and all the characters were so fun.
There was also a ton of fun humor in this one. The scene with the snake shifter in the bar and the male lead (I just finished reading and already forgot his name bc let's be real, all Zoe Chant main characters are identical and indistinguishable, but that's not the point of the books) stoops down and reasons with the snake, who then turns around and slithers out of the bar XD The fact that the female lead had no idea what shifters were, that must have looked so damn wild to her.
All in all, a really fun short read.
The Shifter Bites series is definitely my favorite out of all the Zoe Chant series there are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2021
Cute and short
But it still felt complete! Some shorter stories leave you asking how they got to the ending so soon. While I would have liked more to the story, I didn't feel that way with this one. Russ had been bitten by a hellhound 2 years ago and still struggled with it. Anita was born with a family curse that made human touch a horrendous experience. They both came together when her car died in front of his bar.
This is a very sweet, simple story that is strongly character driven. The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no steam at all. The characters are vivid and endearing. You cheer them on. This is a super pick-me-up read for the person who loves shifter romances. I hope to hear more from Heaven's Limits. It sounds like a cool place to visit. Enjoy!
But it still felt complete! Some shorter stories leave you asking how they got to the ending so soon. While I would have liked more to the story, I didn't feel that way with this one. Russ had been bitten by a hellhound 2 years ago and still struggled with it. Anita was born with a family curse that made human touch a horrendous experience. They both came together when her car died in front of his bar.
This is a very sweet, simple story that is strongly character driven. The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no steam at all. The characters are vivid and endearing. You cheer them on. This is a super pick-me-up read for the person who loves shifter romances. I hope to hear more from Heaven's Limits. It sounds like a cool place to visit. Enjoy!
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July 5, 2021Eyes finally opened
Having been made, not born, into a hellhound Russ doesn't understand what a hellhound is, its instincts or how to get along with his new inner self. Thankfully the animal side of a shifter instantly recognizes its mate. Looking at his hellhound from Anita's perspective finally gets him to understand his hellhound has really been looking out for his happiness and not been trying to ruin his life. A blessing that a hellhound could recognize the presence of the curse Anita Carrie's and be able to safely burn it away for her and her family. Loved George & Lu's wedding. And Anita's aunt was finally getting married after living with the curse for decades.
Having been made, not born, into a hellhound Russ doesn't understand what a hellhound is, its instincts or how to get along with his new inner self. Thankfully the animal side of a shifter instantly recognizes its mate. Looking at his hellhound from Anita's perspective finally gets him to understand his hellhound has really been looking out for his happiness and not been trying to ruin his life. A blessing that a hellhound could recognize the presence of the curse Anita Carrie's and be able to safely burn it away for her and her family. Loved George & Lu's wedding. And Anita's aunt was finally getting married after living with the curse for decades.
May 8, 2021
I am a huge fan of Hellhounds. So often they are misunderstood. In this case, human and hound are not quite speaking the same language. This is not the time for Russ to meet his mate. Anita is looking for a fresh start, her car has chosen it for her. In this small town, with the one whose touch doesn't burn her skin, she wants to make a home. Anita and Russ (along with his hound), will have to work for their HEA. It will require complete trust and honesty. No worries, they will get there. Loads of fun to read and a great 'Zoe' hit. I received an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
December 15, 2021
This is a sweet paranormal romance featuring Russ, a hellhound shifter, and Anita, a woman with a family curse. He knows she's his mate, but he's afraid his hellhound will mess things up. She can't touch anyone without pain, but touching him is heavenly. I've really enjoyed this series, and this book is a prime example of why. It's well-written with wonderful characters set in an eccentric small town. This quick, fun story pulled me in from the beginning and kept me hooked as I read it in one sitting. I'm looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series.
May 9, 2021
Hard Luck Hellhound is another great book written by one of my favourite authors, Zoe Chant. It is a short, shifter romance, that is a standalone novel with great characters, a heartwarming storyline and a happily ever after. It just goes to show that bad luck and curses don’t necessarily mean disaster when fate, love and humour come into play.
This is a voluntary review for a free copy I received.
This is a voluntary review for a free copy I received.
May 10, 2021
Russ and Anita
Russ’s hellhound caused him a lot of trouble when he was fired bitten and ended in Heaven’s Limits owning a bar for other supernaturals. Anita and the first born daughter born in her blood line was cursed to have pain when touching someone. She ran away but her car gave out on her in Russ’s town and could touch him. His hellhound saw the curse and burnt it away from their blood line since they were mates. Great book Zoe Chant!
Russ’s hellhound caused him a lot of trouble when he was fired bitten and ended in Heaven’s Limits owning a bar for other supernaturals. Anita and the first born daughter born in her blood line was cursed to have pain when touching someone. She ran away but her car gave out on her in Russ’s town and could touch him. His hellhound saw the curse and burnt it away from their blood line since they were mates. Great book Zoe Chant!
May 14, 2021
Another Charming Read
Zoe chant delivers another Soul warming story. It is very easy to feel like you know each individual in the story. Zoe's stories have always been reliability heart warming and great comfort reads in some difficult times. This particular one is a bit shorter but long on long on how happiness is never out of reach. I look forward to each book and re read often.
Zoe chant delivers another Soul warming story. It is very easy to feel like you know each individual in the story. Zoe's stories have always been reliability heart warming and great comfort reads in some difficult times. This particular one is a bit shorter but long on long on how happiness is never out of reach. I look forward to each book and re read often.
July 10, 2021
This is the third in the author's shifter bites. I love this series. They are fun with likeable characters even if they are mythical. I also like that the shifters aren't the usual. This book tells about a girl whose family was cursed many, many years ago. She is stranded in a small town that is a shifter haven. The owner of a Roadhouse helps her out. He is a spellbound shifter and her mate, and maybe even her salvation.
May 7, 2021
😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
When you are cursed, life can be a bit intimidating to say the least! Being bitten and becoming an out of control Hellhound is definitely no picnic.
Then again, having a witch curse your family eons ago is no better! Intriguing story as usual. I throughly enjoyed reading it!
When you are cursed, life can be a bit intimidating to say the least! Being bitten and becoming an out of control Hellhound is definitely no picnic.
Then again, having a witch curse your family eons ago is no better! Intriguing story as usual. I throughly enjoyed reading it!
May 12, 2021
Short, sweet and simplistic fast read. But very enjoyable.
Loved how Russ realised his hellhound was not a monster and found a learned balance between them.
Anita was very positive for someone who was cursed.
Really would have enjoyed this being longer but it works as is.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
Loved how Russ realised his hellhound was not a monster and found a learned balance between them.
Anita was very positive for someone who was cursed.
Really would have enjoyed this being longer but it works as is.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
May 16, 2021
Refreshing, not to read.
I've been reading a lot of intense books lately. This one is the change of pace I needed.
Still has the shifters I love to read about but has a lighter , good feeling to it. It gives you the feeling of all the bad luck and hard times the characters were going through to just offer them a better happy ending.
Really enjoyed this very much.
I've been reading a lot of intense books lately. This one is the change of pace I needed.
Still has the shifters I love to read about but has a lighter , good feeling to it. It gives you the feeling of all the bad luck and hard times the characters were going through to just offer them a better happy ending.
Really enjoyed this very much.
May 17, 2021
Burn ~
I loved this story. The whole being cursed, truly cursed, yet... Things, good bad and indifferent, all happen for a reason, whether or not the person it’s happening to has a clue as to why. Truly mated, his beast cleansed her curse, not out of fear, but out of love. I really liked that part! Made me smile for their long awaited happily ever after.
I loved this story. The whole being cursed, truly cursed, yet... Things, good bad and indifferent, all happen for a reason, whether or not the person it’s happening to has a clue as to why. Truly mated, his beast cleansed her curse, not out of fear, but out of love. I really liked that part! Made me smile for their long awaited happily ever after.
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May 23, 2021Amazing characters
As always, I fell in love with the characters. Ms Chant's writing is so realistic, one would think these are real people. I especially love the conversations and interactions between Russ and his hellhound. The hellhound's responses are so honest and straightforward, one can't help but to chuckle.
As always, I fell in love with the characters. Ms Chant's writing is so realistic, one would think these are real people. I especially love the conversations and interactions between Russ and his hellhound. The hellhound's responses are so honest and straightforward, one can't help but to chuckle.
June 15, 2021
A chance meeting
It was no joke for a guy who has a hellhound as his shifter side ,for that side did not want anyone but it's true mate when a young woman ran into car trouble and that's were he meets his mate if you want to know more then please get this story and find out what happened next.Thankyou for all your hard work and may fortune smile on you always 😁
It was no joke for a guy who has a hellhound as his shifter side ,for that side did not want anyone but it's true mate when a young woman ran into car trouble and that's were he meets his mate if you want to know more then please get this story and find out what happened next.Thankyou for all your hard work and may fortune smile on you always 😁
July 22, 2021
Cute story, light read.
I enjoyed reading this book. While there are some typos and other errors, they don't take away too much from the book. The problem resolution was good, I like seeing new ideas put to old situations. The characters were nice, somewhat lightweight, but it's not a heavy story. Overall it's a good thing!
✋🐺
I enjoyed reading this book. While there are some typos and other errors, they don't take away too much from the book. The problem resolution was good, I like seeing new ideas put to old situations. The characters were nice, somewhat lightweight, but it's not a heavy story. Overall it's a good thing!
✋🐺
August 21, 2021
Just right!
I loved the length of the story, (It's just right for the last read before you settle down to sleep.) Russ and Anita were perfect for each other, and that by the end he appreciate the gift given him. I liked the conclusion he came to about what a he'll bound really is. Thumbs up!
I loved the length of the story, (It's just right for the last read before you settle down to sleep.) Russ and Anita were perfect for each other, and that by the end he appreciate the gift given him. I liked the conclusion he came to about what a he'll bound really is. Thumbs up!
September 8, 2021
Short but sweet
Since it is a short story things happened quick but didn't feel rushed. I liked Russ and Anita and the fact that they actually communicated, no misunderstandings or beating around the bush. I also really liked the secondary characters and hope we get to revisit them.
Since it is a short story things happened quick but didn't feel rushed. I liked Russ and Anita and the fact that they actually communicated, no misunderstandings or beating around the bush. I also really liked the secondary characters and hope we get to revisit them.
December 30, 2021
sweet
A nice sweet & clean short story. Loved the general plot and the side characters were interesting. It was never explained how Russ become a Hellhound other than he was bitten. Would have liked to know how that happened. Anita and Russ didn’t catch my attention as much, they didn’t have a lot of depth as I’ve come to expect from this Arthor but overall good read.
A nice sweet & clean short story. Loved the general plot and the side characters were interesting. It was never explained how Russ become a Hellhound other than he was bitten. Would have liked to know how that happened. Anita and Russ didn’t catch my attention as much, they didn’t have a lot of depth as I’ve come to expect from this Arthor but overall good read.
May 7, 2021
Soulmates. Short and sweet. Fate and acceptance. This was such a sweet love story of people who think they're outcasts and find each other and the truth that they're not outcasts at all. Inspirational.
May 9, 2021
Loved w!
Zoe does it w!She always a great story and characters that you really become invested in...this book has all the feels even though it was a short story...was the perfect length!
Zoe does it w!She always a great story and characters that you really become invested in...this book has all the feels even though it was a short story...was the perfect length!
May 9, 2021
Can’t get enough of these stand-alones
Very sweet clean read.
Short and straight to the point.
Fated mates with a little mischief thrown in.
Makes you feel good all over by the last page.
Very sweet clean read.
Short and straight to the point.
Fated mates with a little mischief thrown in.
Makes you feel good all over by the last page.
May 10, 2021
Loved it
This book was a great quick read! Loved how Anita was determined to be happy and not let her curse define who she was! I also loved how she helped Russ realize who he was! Would love to see more books from Heaven Limits especially Emily’s HEA!
This book was a great quick read! Loved how Anita was determined to be happy and not let her curse define who she was! I also loved how she helped Russ realize who he was! Would love to see more books from Heaven Limits especially Emily’s HEA!
May 11, 2021
😍
Russ and Anita are a sweet couple. This HEA story kept me smiling the whole time I read it. I think greyhounds are a joy to read about. Really if you think about it they would make great sheriff's.
Russ and Anita are a sweet couple. This HEA story kept me smiling the whole time I read it. I think greyhounds are a joy to read about. Really if you think about it they would make great sheriff's.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews