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Shamrock Safari Shifters #1
Lion on Loan
He’s just lion around on the job...
Lion shifter Elliott Harkness is in Ireland for the dream vacation of a lifetime—and helping the Shamrock Safari Wildlife Park do some fundraising by staying there for a few days! After all, it’s not often that a shifter gets to display his animal form in public, and being the ‘lion on loan’ means Elliott can show off while doing some good for the always-underfunded park.
She’s pawsitive something’s wrong...
Aoife Gallagher loves her education and outreach job at the Safari Park, but there’s something weird going on there. Bringing new animals into a zoo isn’t a fly-by-night operation, but as long as she’s worked here, there’s been a magnificent menagerie of exotic animals who seem to drop by for a week and then disappear again. And the new lion is in a completely unsafe enclosure! And is also...the hottest guy she’s ever seen?
Together they’ll make a purrfect team...
The instant connection Aoife and Elliott feel would be wonderful under any other circumstances—but today Aoife has to convince a rude investor that the wildlife park’s mission to protect endangered species is worth their money, while also dealing with an ill-mannered child and the revelation that the park she’s loved for so long is a refuge for shifters as well as an ordinary wildlife park. It’s all too much—except Elliott is there to be Aoife’s ‘mane man,’ and his steady support (not to mention his incredible biceps) help Aoife get through a day that goes wrong from the start—and right at the end, in all the very best ways.
Lion on Loan is a funny, charming, and sweet entry in a new series from the author of the Virtue Shifters, a series described as “like reading a warm hug” by readers. One-click now and fall in love with a touch of the Irish in this brand-new romantic comedy paranormal romance!
Lion shifter Elliott Harkness is in Ireland for the dream vacation of a lifetime—and helping the Shamrock Safari Wildlife Park do some fundraising by staying there for a few days! After all, it’s not often that a shifter gets to display his animal form in public, and being the ‘lion on loan’ means Elliott can show off while doing some good for the always-underfunded park.
She’s pawsitive something’s wrong...
Aoife Gallagher loves her education and outreach job at the Safari Park, but there’s something weird going on there. Bringing new animals into a zoo isn’t a fly-by-night operation, but as long as she’s worked here, there’s been a magnificent menagerie of exotic animals who seem to drop by for a week and then disappear again. And the new lion is in a completely unsafe enclosure! And is also...the hottest guy she’s ever seen?
Together they’ll make a purrfect team...
The instant connection Aoife and Elliott feel would be wonderful under any other circumstances—but today Aoife has to convince a rude investor that the wildlife park’s mission to protect endangered species is worth their money, while also dealing with an ill-mannered child and the revelation that the park she’s loved for so long is a refuge for shifters as well as an ordinary wildlife park. It’s all too much—except Elliott is there to be Aoife’s ‘mane man,’ and his steady support (not to mention his incredible biceps) help Aoife get through a day that goes wrong from the start—and right at the end, in all the very best ways.
Lion on Loan is a funny, charming, and sweet entry in a new series from the author of the Virtue Shifters, a series described as “like reading a warm hug” by readers. One-click now and fall in love with a touch of the Irish in this brand-new romantic comedy paranormal romance!
123 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2024
206 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Chant
348 books1,477 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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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
January 28, 2025
Short yet sweet
💖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Genre: Paranormal cozy romance
Features:
💖 A closed door, meet cute romance with laugh out moments.
🦁 An adorable lion shifter with the attitude of a golden retriever boyfriend.
💖 A wildlife manager at a special zoo in Ireland.
🦁 A spoiled and rude teenager that falls into an enclosure. Oh no and oh darn. Lol
Overall, this one was good but not my favorite. Loved the setting of the zoo in Ireland. Still cozy but fun at the same time. The hero is beyond adorable and it was fun watching the herorine deal with the investors and a shifter at the same time.
Thing is, I didn't care for the comments from his inner lion nor for the random cussing. Neither was constant but they were distracting enough from the cozy setting.
The ending was great! Loved the slight twist and happily ever after.
💖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📚 Genre: Paranormal cozy romance
Features:
💖 A closed door, meet cute romance with laugh out moments.
🦁 An adorable lion shifter with the attitude of a golden retriever boyfriend.
💖 A wildlife manager at a special zoo in Ireland.
🦁 A spoiled and rude teenager that falls into an enclosure. Oh no and oh darn. Lol
Overall, this one was good but not my favorite. Loved the setting of the zoo in Ireland. Still cozy but fun at the same time. The hero is beyond adorable and it was fun watching the herorine deal with the investors and a shifter at the same time.
Thing is, I didn't care for the comments from his inner lion nor for the random cussing. Neither was constant but they were distracting enough from the cozy setting.
The ending was great! Loved the slight twist and happily ever after.
July 21, 2025
Reviewed at Shifter Haven
Lion on Loan begins the Shamrock Safari Shifters series with a delightful romance between Aoife and Elliott, one human, one lion shifter, who set off sparks and laughter from their very first meeting.
Aoife is part of the education and outreach team at the Shamrock Safari Wildlife Park, and she’s been noticing something odd about some of the animals “on loan” to the park. Some exhibit very unnatural habits. For example, lions should be pacing, not preening in front of guests, right? She’s about to discover a well-kept secret, one that Elliott would only share with his fated mate. But, while he knows all about humans, she has no clue about shifters, especially the ones that make temporary appearances at this park. Now, all he has to do is figure out how to meet her in his human form and explain what shifters are. Easy, right? Hmm… maybe a bit more complex than he anticipated.
Lion on Loan by Murphy Lawless, writing as Zoe Chant, is a short, completely enjoyable beginning to the Shamrock Safair Shifters series. I had such fun watching Elliott win over his reluctant (incredulous) human. Yes, there’s a definite attraction, a spark between them… but fated mates? Between winning investors for the park, dealing with brand new knowledge, one rather spoiled teenager, and figuring out this fated mate thing, Aoife and Elliott have their hands full… and give us some sweet moments, touches of steam, and laughter. I loved Lion on Loan so much; it’s well-written, funny, emotional, and a satisfying short read. If you love laughter as a side dish in your shifter romances, then you’d love Aoife and Elliott.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Lion on Loan begins the Shamrock Safari Shifters series with a delightful romance between Aoife and Elliott, one human, one lion shifter, who set off sparks and laughter from their very first meeting.
Aoife is part of the education and outreach team at the Shamrock Safari Wildlife Park, and she’s been noticing something odd about some of the animals “on loan” to the park. Some exhibit very unnatural habits. For example, lions should be pacing, not preening in front of guests, right? She’s about to discover a well-kept secret, one that Elliott would only share with his fated mate. But, while he knows all about humans, she has no clue about shifters, especially the ones that make temporary appearances at this park. Now, all he has to do is figure out how to meet her in his human form and explain what shifters are. Easy, right? Hmm… maybe a bit more complex than he anticipated.
Lion on Loan by Murphy Lawless, writing as Zoe Chant, is a short, completely enjoyable beginning to the Shamrock Safair Shifters series. I had such fun watching Elliott win over his reluctant (incredulous) human. Yes, there’s a definite attraction, a spark between them… but fated mates? Between winning investors for the park, dealing with brand new knowledge, one rather spoiled teenager, and figuring out this fated mate thing, Aoife and Elliott have their hands full… and give us some sweet moments, touches of steam, and laughter. I loved Lion on Loan so much; it’s well-written, funny, emotional, and a satisfying short read. If you love laughter as a side dish in your shifter romances, then you’d love Aoife and Elliott.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
August 11, 2024
Lighthearted and funny
The first book in a new series, I loved the originality of the premise here (shifters vacationing as their animals in a wildlife park). The Irish setting is also a nice change. Since the MMC is American, the FMC could explain pronunciations without breaking the flow of the story, and I thought the author did a nice job of introducing enough Irish names and phrases to give the flavor of the setting without being overwhelming for this American reader.
I loved both the main characters; as an animal lover and supporter of wildlife conservation, the passion Aoife (EEE-fah) has for her work made me want to stand up and cheer, while Elliot’s golden retriever energy (if a golden retriever could ever have a predatory side), made me grin like a fool and often outright laugh. Several of the secondary characters had me intrigued as well. and I’m hoping the author expands their stories in the coming books.
Lighthearted and utterly charming with plenty of lol moments, this is a low spice story, bringing the sweet instead of the heat. I, personally, thought the story was perfect as is, and I’m already looking forward to the next book.
The first book in a new series, I loved the originality of the premise here (shifters vacationing as their animals in a wildlife park). The Irish setting is also a nice change. Since the MMC is American, the FMC could explain pronunciations without breaking the flow of the story, and I thought the author did a nice job of introducing enough Irish names and phrases to give the flavor of the setting without being overwhelming for this American reader.
I loved both the main characters; as an animal lover and supporter of wildlife conservation, the passion Aoife (EEE-fah) has for her work made me want to stand up and cheer, while Elliot’s golden retriever energy (if a golden retriever could ever have a predatory side), made me grin like a fool and often outright laugh. Several of the secondary characters had me intrigued as well. and I’m hoping the author expands their stories in the coming books.
Lighthearted and utterly charming with plenty of lol moments, this is a low spice story, bringing the sweet instead of the heat. I, personally, thought the story was perfect as is, and I’m already looking forward to the next book.
August 9, 2024
Love and animals
I loved, loved this fated mates romance with a side of zoo animals. The story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, and real life issues. I fell into all the story’s goodness on the first page and did not look up or stop smiling until the very end. Aoife works in education and outreach at the Shamrock Safari Wildlife Park in Ireland. She knows something strange goes on at the zoo because fairly frequently different animals inexplicably show up to be temporarily on display at the zoo and then the animals leave the same way. Elliott is a lion shifter who comes to the park for a holiday and to be the lion “on loan” to the zoo. When Elliott sees Aoife he instantly knows she’s his mate. Now he just has to meet her as a human and explain shifters and fated mates. Despite being short, this well written story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters and a captivating storyline.
I loved, loved this fated mates romance with a side of zoo animals. The story had the perfect balance of humor, heartwarming love, and real life issues. I fell into all the story’s goodness on the first page and did not look up or stop smiling until the very end. Aoife works in education and outreach at the Shamrock Safari Wildlife Park in Ireland. She knows something strange goes on at the zoo because fairly frequently different animals inexplicably show up to be temporarily on display at the zoo and then the animals leave the same way. Elliott is a lion shifter who comes to the park for a holiday and to be the lion “on loan” to the zoo. When Elliott sees Aoife he instantly knows she’s his mate. Now he just has to meet her as a human and explain shifters and fated mates. Despite being short, this well written story included engaging dialogue, three dimensional characters and a captivating storyline.
December 5, 2024
Review:
3 stars
Lion on Loan is a light and fluffy paranormal romance with plenty of puns and just enough plot to keep things interesting. Elliott, the lion shifter on a “dream vacation,” and Aoife, the dedicated wildlife park worker, have great chemistry, but the story leans heavily on instant attraction rather than developing their relationship.
The premise is unique, blending shifters with a wildlife park setting, but the narrative felt rushed in parts and overly drawn out in others. Aoife’s name might throw off some readers unfamiliar with its pronunciation (it’s “EE-fah”), I found her name to be annoying and the book occasionally dips into cheesy territory. That said, it’s easy to read and filled with charm, humor, and a satisfying HEA.
If you’re looking for something quick and quirky, this will do the trick.
3 stars
Lion on Loan is a light and fluffy paranormal romance with plenty of puns and just enough plot to keep things interesting. Elliott, the lion shifter on a “dream vacation,” and Aoife, the dedicated wildlife park worker, have great chemistry, but the story leans heavily on instant attraction rather than developing their relationship.
The premise is unique, blending shifters with a wildlife park setting, but the narrative felt rushed in parts and overly drawn out in others. Aoife’s name might throw off some readers unfamiliar with its pronunciation (it’s “EE-fah”), I found her name to be annoying and the book occasionally dips into cheesy territory. That said, it’s easy to read and filled with charm, humor, and a satisfying HEA.
If you’re looking for something quick and quirky, this will do the trick.
October 29, 2024
Sweet and funny with some serious bits added ib!
Fun story about an American lion shifter visiting this wildlife park in Ireland and meeting his mate! As usual things get a little sideways at first! Watching them go around the wildlife park trying to teach potential investors about the importance of conservation, but having to deal instead with a spoiler almost teenage girl add a lot of funny scenes.
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no steam and one bit of action! The characters are vivid and engaging. This was a fun introduction to a sweet new series about a wildlife park that allows shifters to come visit for a while and show off their wild side! I can't wait for the next one!
Fun story about an American lion shifter visiting this wildlife park in Ireland and meeting his mate! As usual things get a little sideways at first! Watching them go around the wildlife park trying to teach potential investors about the importance of conservation, but having to deal instead with a spoiler almost teenage girl add a lot of funny scenes.
The pace is fast and the tone is hopeful with a character oriented storyline that has no steam and one bit of action! The characters are vivid and engaging. This was a fun introduction to a sweet new series about a wildlife park that allows shifters to come visit for a while and show off their wild side! I can't wait for the next one!
August 12, 2024
This author never disappoints me
Whether she writes as Murphy Lawless, Zoe Chant, or any / all of her other pen names - reading her books is always a joy and an adventure for me.
I totally love the “animal on loan” to the wildlife refuge. SO MANY stories there! Can’t wait for the next one!
As for Lion on Loan, it’s clean, it’s fun and it made me laugh out loud more than once.
A shifter, on loan to an Irish wildlife preserve meets his mate - and hilarity ensues - along with some really good, common sense knowledge about wild animals and how you should be very respectful of them and why.
Learning a bit o’ the Irish was fun, too. It was so nice to have the phonetic spellings for the expressions she used.
All in all, a good, fun read!
Whether she writes as Murphy Lawless, Zoe Chant, or any / all of her other pen names - reading her books is always a joy and an adventure for me.
I totally love the “animal on loan” to the wildlife refuge. SO MANY stories there! Can’t wait for the next one!
As for Lion on Loan, it’s clean, it’s fun and it made me laugh out loud more than once.
A shifter, on loan to an Irish wildlife preserve meets his mate - and hilarity ensues - along with some really good, common sense knowledge about wild animals and how you should be very respectful of them and why.
Learning a bit o’ the Irish was fun, too. It was so nice to have the phonetic spellings for the expressions she used.
All in all, a good, fun read!
August 18, 2024
Yet again, Ms Murphy (AKA Irish Zoe) delivers a delightful safe, warm hug of a paranormal romance that had me literally laughing out loud in several places. It could only have been better if the flirting between Kanvas and both protagonists had actually amounted to something (although, granted, it wouldn't have been a Zoe book in that case). I loved the Gladiator Foundation shoutout too <3
Very much looking forward to Book 2 in the series when it comes out next year (although not as much as I'm looking forward to OctoBEARfest later this year)
Very much looking forward to Book 2 in the series when it comes out next year (although not as much as I'm looking forward to OctoBEARfest later this year)
February 24, 2025
It's a pretty short book. While I think that the plot of touring investors was the right length, I do think that it could have been a bit longer to add for more romance. The story is about Aiofe and Elliot as true mates but I feel like the plot focuses more on the tour than the actual relationship. I would have been happy if the book were longer to add more depth to the romance and to add more information about the shifter loans to the zoo. Double the book and I'd be happier.
August 9, 2024
Exactly what I needed - a short, light read with guaranteed HEA. I was immediately brought into this world, connecting to the characters easily and happily immersed in a wildlife rescue with a secret. Zoe is my go to for escape and books that lift my heart, and this newest one is no exception. 5/5, would recommend.
September 5, 2024
Cute and short 3.5*
Admittedly a bias here, but I actually HAVE the job the FMC does in the story. It was every fantasy come true where the ridiculously rude and ignorant donor gets a comeuppance in the end.
Still, it was too short to really have much about it, but it was a fun 100 pages or so. I wish there had been more of an ending.
Admittedly a bias here, but I actually HAVE the job the FMC does in the story. It was every fantasy come true where the ridiculously rude and ignorant donor gets a comeuppance in the end.
Still, it was too short to really have much about it, but it was a fun 100 pages or so. I wish there had been more of an ending.
September 22, 2024
Being stuck in bed by sickness is one thing, being stuck in bed with a very boring book is another one.
The conflict is bad, rich woman bad, rich woman's kid bad, rich people are bad in general, but the problem is solved by another rich people richer than the other woman.
Also during the book nothing happens, nothing at all.
The conflict is bad, rich woman bad, rich woman's kid bad, rich people are bad in general, but the problem is solved by another rich people richer than the other woman.
Also during the book nothing happens, nothing at all.
January 20, 2025
Fun, Quick read.
This a fun quick read and a great start to a new series. I loved the idea of a shifter being an animal "on loan" to a zoo. I thought Aoife and Elliot made a super cute couple. I loved learning some things about Ireland. I can't wait for more from this series.
This a fun quick read and a great start to a new series. I loved the idea of a shifter being an animal "on loan" to a zoo. I thought Aoife and Elliot made a super cute couple. I loved learning some things about Ireland. I can't wait for more from this series.
May 17, 2025
A fun short read set in Ireland with likable characters. The enjoyable banter between American Elliott, the lion on loan, and Aoife, the Irish employee who provides educational tours for the Shamrock Safari Wildlife Park, was the highlight of the story for me. I would love to see Kanvasara Roth visit the park again and meet her own shifter.
August 13, 2024
Laddies and Lasses gather round
A heartwarming storyline that will leave you smiling for the "little guy" and laughing at the same time. Beware, you never know who really controls the purse strings in this fun-loving romp at the zoo!
A heartwarming storyline that will leave you smiling for the "little guy" and laughing at the same time. Beware, you never know who really controls the purse strings in this fun-loving romp at the zoo!
August 14, 2024
I don't think anyone can start a series like 'Zoe Chant'. This was such a heartwarming read. The characters were unique and so entertaining. I can't wait to see where the Shamrock Safari takes us. Awesome for all shifter fans.
August 14, 2024
💜💜💜💜💜
This is an awesome start to a new and promising to be fun series! A wildlife park in Ireland needs help with funding, but the decision maker apparently doesn't have the politeness to pay attention to anything, including her child!
This is an awesome start to a new and promising to be fun series! A wildlife park in Ireland needs help with funding, but the decision maker apparently doesn't have the politeness to pay attention to anything, including her child!
August 15, 2024
A roaring good time!
Such a fun story! I loved the contrast between the Irish and American languages and how our main characters enjoyed that about each other. A fun rompmof a story!
Such a fun story! I loved the contrast between the Irish and American languages and how our main characters enjoyed that about each other. A fun rompmof a story!
August 18, 2024
Such fun
The wild animal park has "animals on loan' that are exotic and difficult to move for such short visits. This confuses the heroine, but the explanation is wilder than expected! Shifters visit for fun and to help park attendance! Things get crazy - great romp.
The wild animal park has "animals on loan' that are exotic and difficult to move for such short visits. This confuses the heroine, but the explanation is wilder than expected! Shifters visit for fun and to help park attendance! Things get crazy - great romp.
August 19, 2024
Customer Service Queen!
I haven’t been in this exact situation, but definitely close. Aiofe handled it like the queen/lioness she is. I love the fluidity of Kanvas and how everything ends up just dandy in da end. That girl sure was an eejet but she learned pretty quickly.
I haven’t been in this exact situation, but definitely close. Aiofe handled it like the queen/lioness she is. I love the fluidity of Kanvas and how everything ends up just dandy in da end. That girl sure was an eejet but she learned pretty quickly.
August 20, 2024
Cute and short.
It’s a short read, and because of that it seemed like the characters weren’t as well developed as Zoe Chant books usually are, however, it was still a fun read. The Murphy Lawless as Zoe Chant books are always good.
It’s a short read, and because of that it seemed like the characters weren’t as well developed as Zoe Chant books usually are, however, it was still a fun read. The Murphy Lawless as Zoe Chant books are always good.
August 21, 2024
Absolutely Delightful
The book is sweetly full of shifter antics, animal conservation lessons and quaint Irish sayings, although I suspect Gaelic is the root of it. I really love that out lion hero doesn’t fret and fuss about being and revealing who he is. What a guy!
The book is sweetly full of shifter antics, animal conservation lessons and quaint Irish sayings, although I suspect Gaelic is the root of it. I really love that out lion hero doesn’t fret and fuss about being and revealing who he is. What a guy!
August 25, 2024
I'm not lying
I enjoy all of Zoe Chant's books. They're light and wholesome without being silly. The Lion on Loan of the title likes to do things on instinct which leads him to a zoo in Cork. What happens is funny and sweet and Zoe ensures an HOA every time.
I enjoy all of Zoe Chant's books. They're light and wholesome without being silly. The Lion on Loan of the title likes to do things on instinct which leads him to a zoo in Cork. What happens is funny and sweet and Zoe ensures an HOA every time.
Read
August 26, 2024very fun to read
I’ve read loads of Zoey’s shifter books, really loved the firefighter ones and shifting sands. This was more a novella and I finished it in a day, but it was a very enjoyable read and as always, I found myself laughing out loud
I’ve read loads of Zoey’s shifter books, really loved the firefighter ones and shifting sands. This was more a novella and I finished it in a day, but it was a very enjoyable read and as always, I found myself laughing out loud
August 29, 2024
That was fun.
Well, I just finished reading the book and I really enjoyed the shenanigans of the main characters. I loved the light banter and I am already awaiting the next book in this series.
Well, I just finished reading the book and I really enjoyed the shenanigans of the main characters. I loved the light banter and I am already awaiting the next book in this series.
September 20, 2024
An emotional céilís. A party in the heart.
Lion on Loan simply made my heart sing.
Lions don’t sing, a lion might object. They roar. Ferociously.
Yeah. True.
So, Lion on Loan makes my heart ferociously roar. In the best way!
Lion on Loan simply made my heart sing.
Lions don’t sing, a lion might object. They roar. Ferociously.
Yeah. True.
So, Lion on Loan makes my heart ferociously roar. In the best way!
September 22, 2024
Lion on loan
Absolutely loved this book loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone and can't wait to read more in this series
Absolutely loved this book loved the characters and the storyline so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone and can't wait to read more in this series
October 15, 2024
Lion on Loan (Shamrock Safari Shifters)
Elliot and Aoife's story takes the reader on a loveable, enjoyable, and fun ride. There are twists and turns on every page. Take the time, open the book and enjoy!
Elliot and Aoife's story takes the reader on a loveable, enjoyable, and fun ride. There are twists and turns on every page. Take the time, open the book and enjoy!
November 19, 2024
This was actually pretty cute and a quick read to boot with a cinnamon roll of a golden retriever MMC (or would that by golden lion?) finding his fated mate in tough as nails animal-lover Aoife who had no clue shifters existed until she met him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews