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He's the only one who can save her.
And only she can save him from himself.


Ransom's out-of-control hellhound has made his life, literally, a living hell. His beast can reveal any secret to him, but Ransom can't make it stop. He's barely holding onto his sanity, drowning in a deluge of the worst moments of other people's lives. It even got him kicked out of his last refuge, the bodyguard agency Protection, Inc: Defenders.

But it finally brought him something good: a vision of a woman in danger that led him to her.

His one true mate has only a year to live.

After an accident damaged Natalie's heart, any excitement, from a car chase to a scorching hot kiss, could make her drop dead. But a life without joy is no life at all, so she embarks on a road trip to tick off every item on her bucket list before her time runs out. Natalie's more than happy to drag a smoking hot bodyguard (not to mention a pair of adorable teleporting puppies) along with her. Even though acting on her desires could give her a literal heart attack ...

From a theme park called Tomato Land (it's exactly what it sounds like) to a terrifying reckoning with Ransom's inner beast to a showdown with a deadly enemy, it'll be the road trip of a lifetime. But he's not the only one with secrets. It's hers that just might save — or doom — them both.

349 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2020

663 people are currently reading
135 people want to read

About the author

Zoe Chant

328 books1,493 followers
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.

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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5 stars
1,078 (69%)
4 stars
323 (20%)
3 stars
118 (7%)
2 stars
16 (1%)
1 star
6 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
1,603 reviews12 followers
January 13, 2023
This was a good shifter romance, the third in a spin-off series of the Protection, Inc. series -- Protection, Inc: Defenders. It can be read standalone, but will be much more enjoyable if you read the original Protection, Inc. series first (it introduced this Defenders series, and contains characters who are mentioned in this series), then read this series in order.

I liked Ransom, and felt for him and the terrible guilt he had. I won't give spoilers, but he was blaming himself for something that really wasn't his fault. I was glad when Natalie and his teammates finally convinced him of that.

I liked Natalie, too, and also thought her story was sad. I was glad that she was able to find her HEA with Ransom. They were good together.

I absolutely loved the cute magical animals in this book. They were creative, and so much fun!

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. In this case, it seems like there should have been books for Carter and Roland (the last 2 members of the Defenders team) by now, since this book was published over 2 years ago. I really want to read their stories, too.

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.
1,807 reviews10 followers
September 29, 2020
This is a fast paced, exciting paranormal romance. I loved the slow burn but the focus on the development of friendship and then love. It also encompasses an important message, which is that of forgiving yourself for things outside of your power. This book's message really spoke to me.

We follow Ransom and Natalie in this book. Ransom has always had major issues with his animal, that was forced into him (he's the hellhound). He was one of the 3 that was tested on previously to become shifters with special powers. His powers include extrasensory perception especially regarding when something bad is going to happen and he has another special power of seeing the worst time in everyone's life. He hates his hellhound (the feeling is mutual) and pretty early on, he abandons the Defenders. He goes to help Natalie, Merlin's friend who is running away from her life too. Together, they fulfill her bucket list and there are some really funny parts! They are also running away from the wizard scientists, all interesting shifters that really showcase Zoe Chant's rich imagination. I really enjoyed this book and it kept my attention avidly.

I received an early copy of this book and have read and own many of the other books in this series as well as the Protection Inc series, which is what this series jumps off from. It isn't necessary to read the Protection, Inc series to read this one but that was a fantastic group of books too!
Profile Image for Starfire.
1,339 reviews32 followers
April 1, 2023
I have all the mixed feelings about this instalment of the Protection Inc: Defenders series.

On the one hand, it was nice to have yet another female lead with some kind of disability (in this case, a chronic heart condition) AND a male lead dealing with mental illness (in this case, depression and self hatred - nicely represented by an inner 'black dog' of a hellhound). I also liked that .

On the other, I kept getting caught on the issue of Natalie's heart condition being triggered by shock or sexual arousal (well, actually, no not arousal: she could be totally aroused, but it was only if she started doing anything about it that it kicked in), but any amount of physical exertion, up to and including parkour acrobatics, was totally fine.

And given how long Ransom had been hating himself, .

But even with those niggles, I feel like this was objectively one of the better instalments in this spin-off series, and I'm really hoping we get to read Roland's and Carter's stories at some point down to the track too
1,250 reviews9 followers
October 10, 2020
Another great Protection, Inc: Defenders story

I love this series and am always excited to see that a new one has come out. Ransome has been battling his hellhound since he got it. The extra powers didn't help either. Then he sees Merlin's friend Natalie in a vision being told she only has 1 year to live. He thinks he can help her and goes to find her. What follows is a roller coaster ride of epic proportions, including teleporting puppies and TomatoLand. I can't remember the exact name, but you will know what I mean when you read this. There is so much packed into this story, action, high emotions, drama, character development, etc.

The pace is breakneck, the tone is intense yet hopeful and the storyline is character and action oriented with some steamy scenes near the end. The characters are vivid and appealing, including all the fantastic creatures! You will get the most out of this story if you read them all in order, Protection, Inc first and then the 3 Defenders stories. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews24 followers
October 8, 2020
Borrowed From KINDLE UNLIMITED
Title: Defender Hellhound
Series: Protection, Inc: Defenders #3
Release Date: #AlreadyReleased
Author: Zoe Chant
Reviewer: Ingrid Stephanie Jordan
Serial: Standalone, No Cliffhanger
Genre:#PRN #Shifters #Seer
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
••••••••••••••
💢Wow Fan-Freaking-Tastic there is everything in this mind blowing book - Adventure, Survival, Fear, Action Packed, Loyalty, Hate, Love, Wowzer!
🔹️Ransom Pierce is a Bodyguard in a Private Security Agency—Protection, Inc: Defenders. But Ransom had a hard time holding it together thing came to him out of the blue, every person he sees it something bad that happened to them or was going to happen. Then he found Natalie Nash she had a secret and Ransom knew it, can he help her? Can he keep her safe? Can Heidi and Wally save Ransom and Natalie?
☄️ This review is my own opinion, this author is one that I love to read her books.

Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,830 reviews
November 10, 2020
Ransom and his hellhound are at odds and Ransom's power is making a mess out of his life as he grows through hell whenever it's used. Currently Ransom is trying to get Natalie, a circus friend of Merlin's, to allow him to go with her on her trip because he KNOWS he has a chance to save her life. When Ransom sees that Natalie is in danger, he finally convinces her to let him protect her. As they spend time together, their relationship grows as does Ransom's relationship with his hellhound.

I absolutely love this series and this book is a prime example of why. It was an absolutely fantastic read. Full of action and intrigue, this book had me hooked from beginning to end. It was well-written with well-rounded characters and meaningful relationships. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order for the most enjoyment and understanding. If you have already read the original Protection Inc series, that's all the better.
Profile Image for Samm Lynn.
1,325 reviews20 followers
October 18, 2020
A fantastic story!

Ransom and his fight with his hellhound. Natalie (Merlin's best friend/adopted sister from the circus) and her determination to live, what's left of her life, to the fullest.

An absorbing story that pulls you in and keeps you turning pages and gives you a great ending full of magical pets! (I have to say that I really loved Merlin's story and his frantic behavior and thrill of magical pets - it's still my favorite of the series but this is a close second).

The fascinating trip these characters embark upon was pretty amazing but add in the annoying wizards and it becomes thrilling. Then when you add some new magical pets and friends that would do anything for you and the story becomes inspiring.

Love this series and its predecessor and cannot wait for the next installment!

829 reviews
November 11, 2020
These mystic shifters are just as entertaining as their "normal" counterparts. Ransom is struggling with his animal (hellhound) and his second power (experiencing the emotions of others) which he hides from his teammates at Protection Inc Defenders. When he gets a vision of Natalie, he sets out to find and save her. Natalie bestie of Merlin from Book 2 Defender Raptor (yes you should read them in order) disappears without a word and plans to stay gone until Ransom tracks her down. Along with mythical shifters there are magical kittens, dragonettes and bugbears. Ransom and Natalie must learn to trust themselves, each other and love if they want to survive. Ransom's teammates and their mates help save the day and some of the couples from the original Protection Inc series appear as well. Can't wait for Carter's book!
Profile Image for Angela Griffin.
1,609 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2020
Admirable detailing!

One of the best PNR stories I've ever read! Ransom's and Natalie's tale is beautifully layered and SO emotional: the heights of joy, the depths of despair, hilarity, compassion, and selflessness are just some of what this couple shares. They truly see each other in a way that makes their feelings completely believable for the reader. The action is managed excellently, grips the imagination, and provides even more tension (as if Natalie's future isn't enough!). And the almost nonstop revelations! The conclusion is sheer, humdrum suburban perfection, and the epilogue is intriguing; I look forward to Zoe Chant trying to even meet the bar she has set with this!!
Profile Image for Erika.
1,158 reviews19 followers
October 5, 2020
I've been waiting for this book, and I was not disappointed. We have great character development, it deals with mental health, with how we see ourselves and how others see us, and of course, as with other books in the series, we touch on family, friends, love and loyalty.

We have a couple of characters that are going through some tough things, with Natalie living with a one year left to live diagnosis, and Ransom living with guilt and a voice that constantly tells him how awful he is.

Their lives cross over, they go together in an adventure, face some bad guys, are forced to face their fears and see themselves for who they really are, and then survive to see another day.

Besides the humor, the lovable characters, the cute pets, I think that it's important to mention the nod to mental health, and how we can't face everything by ourselves, sometimes we need help, and that's okay, there's no shame in it.

For now, I'll just have to wait here and see when the next book is coming our way.
326 reviews3 followers
October 8, 2020
Wow!!

Loved it, my lonesome friend is now mates and doing on so well. Wow things with Random was really stressful with him being at war with himself and his hellhound. But now he is in control and doing well with his mate Natalie. Now seeing that they got the bad guys, who took both Carter and his rival Kim. Well I guess we will never know until the next book comes out.Wow I just love Wally and Heidi they are the cuties huskey's and very smart..will be waiting patiently for Carter's story..big fan as always winzie19.
2,594 reviews2 followers
October 10, 2020
I never quite understood why his hellhound was always fighting him but I think it was good that he would finally sit down and talk 2 it without being stupid about their situation. It's good that she will tell him that if she has 2 do certain things than he does 2. That asshole from his past needs 2 get a major beat down and 1 hell of a awakening cause of what he pulled without giving a duck about people's lives he destroyed. Their dogs r sooooo adorable!! Carter needs sum major help with his animal\s... I loved it cause they r more connected than ever b4
Profile Image for Joetta Spurling.
Author 2 books7 followers
November 5, 2020
Oh Zoe!

Defender Hellhound Protection, Inc: Defenders 3
By Zoe Chant
Kindle unlimited purchase
These two series have it all. Always looking out for a Zoe book.
Natalie and Ransom are a great couple. This book is low on the sexual content but I still say this book is written for readers 18 and older.

Protection, Inc Bodyguard:
Bear Defender
Dragon Protector
Panther Warrior
Wolf Leader
Lion Soldier A
Snow Leopard
Top Gun Tiger

Then finally start on this series:

Protection, Inc: Defenders:
Defender Cave Bear
Defender Raptor
Defender Hellhound
129 reviews
May 3, 2022
Finaaly It’s Over!

Honestly it’s taken me a week to finish this book! Can you say dribble? It is a slow path on a road to no where. Ransom’s story was such a disappointing segment of Defenders Book 3. Fifty-seven percent was of pain, depression, and sadness. Hence, the reason it took me so long to complete it. On to the next book.

As always I want to thank all the authors that share their talent and imagination with us. Also a thanks to Amazon for providing this unlimited service at a reasonable rate.
Profile Image for Renee Sturgill.
176 reviews
August 7, 2023
Defender Hellhound

I absolutely love this series!! I can't stop until I finish them all.
Ransom and Natalie were awesome and kick butt characters! I think they are my favorite at the moment.
I am so glad that Ransom was able to find his mate and control his powers. Natalie which you hear so much about from Merlin, I am so glad that she finds her mate and is able to live. I am so glad she sees Merlin again.
The doggies are so adorable. I can't wait to read Carter's story next.. hopefully he will finally admit he is a part of the team!!
2,518 reviews44 followers
September 27, 2020
The author had me an emotional hostage start to finish while I read this book. Finding out the main characters' secrets was like pulling teeth that don't want to cone out. The secrets are teased out slowly and the suspense builds and builds. So many times I thought it was over, but they kept the drama and action rolling and I needed more and more until the end. The author gives a tease about the long long awaited Carter's
secrets next. I can't wait!!!
761 reviews2 followers
October 1, 2020
This was so sweet! I love how their relationship progresses and evolves. Probably my favorite yet in all the Defender and Protection Inc. series. Not hugely steamy in that sense but intimate on a soul level.
My favorite scene that will probably stick with me forever was when they exchanged e-readers. It was so significant because that is something hugely personal and intimate especially for Ransom. As a book worm and fellow science nerd this resonates with me so much.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,301 reviews46 followers
October 5, 2020
Could not quite remember first two books, took a while to remember characters.
Enjoyable and humorous but at times I felt too busy.
Different plot with Natalie having heart problems.
The part at Tomato Land just seemed excessive and a bit of overkill and Ransoms big reveal fell flat as no one cared.
Carters story looks to be interesting.
Too many silly errors annoyed me.
Read through Kindle Unlimited.
1,866 reviews5 followers
October 18, 2020
Wow

A heroine that Has a serious heart condition, meets and goes on a journey with her mate (unknown to each other).
Wonderful story of falling in love, overcoming many serious obstacles.
Author continues to surprise me with the characters and twists and turns. She has continued to improve her skill and talents from her early work. Now she is a must read for me.
Looking forward to seeing the other main characters stories.
1,526 reviews4 followers
October 21, 2020
Love love this book

I love everything about this book! So happy that Ransom found his mate and peace. Natalie is perfect for him and fits in with the defenders. The new creatures are interesting. Heidi and Wally are perfect and fun. I still want the flying Pegasus. So many funny moments had me laughing even when it should have been serious. Every book seems to be better than the last one!! Keep on moving forward!
Profile Image for Holly Fincher.
189 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2023
Exciting read

Wow. This is such a great series. This book is a wonderful addition to the series of the Protection Inc. Defenders. Ransom felt so much misery for the ones he wanted to protect. His team is full of such inspiring and different people. Meeting his mate helped him overcome what he felt were his sins against the men who made up his team. Natalie is his perfect mate. On to #4.
297 reviews
September 29, 2020
Exquisite

I got addicted to Zoe Chant books with this series. Who wouldn’t? Seriously.. it has romance, adorable flying kittens, teleporting puppies and a bugbear. Not to mention a team of people who, despite their broken and fractured pasts, come together for true romance, love and beating bad guys. And a few dinosaurs. It’s so good..
510 reviews3 followers
October 4, 2020
Can't wait!

Wonderful to see how finding their mates helps each of the team get better control of their animal and gifts. Loved the way these two met. Looks like Carter's story may be next. Can't wait till we get to Roland. I have a feeling the mysterious lady he mourns may pop up.
1,198 reviews3 followers
October 7, 2020
Crazy! (In a Good Way)

Totally unique cast of characters with totally unique powers. This humorous, action packed, love story starring Ransom and Natalie had me laughing out loud one moment and reaching for the tissue the next. All the pets plus a couple of new adorable teleporting puppies create an atmosphere of controlled chaos. Highly recommend. Enjoy!
136 reviews1 follower
October 11, 2020
😍

Loved this one too. Zoe has out done herself. I fall so deeply in love with the story and characters each time I read one of her books 📚. Each time I think this is my favorite, then I read the next one. It's a vicious cycle that I never want to get out of. Zoe please enable my addiction.
Profile Image for Catherine Marie Meyer.
790 reviews4 followers
October 17, 2020
Gorgeous Hellhound

Natalie and Ransom were so meant to be a fantastic couple because neither believed in themselves when this all started. It took everything falling into life and death dangerous and fighting for each others lives for them to realize that they loved one another and that they could do this. Plus, Natalie also became a magical being. Great story!
664 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2020
Enjoyable read

This was another good installment in the series. I enjoyed the characters and the magic and mysticism and the storyline was well developed if not a little too Long and drawn out. It just seemed a little slow in the beginning as they were traveling around. I am looking forward to Carter’s story!
Profile Image for Pamela Gramlisch.
761 reviews3 followers
Read
November 20, 2020
Gets even better and funnier.

So many of the scenes in this book are hilarious. When Ransom Pierce meets up with Natalie Nash it's so much fun plus they are both being chased by those darn magical scientists. Random is a Hell hound shifter with other special powers too and Natalie who is his mate just got told by a doctor that she has one year left to live.
Profile Image for Lori Flemming.
350 reviews3 followers
December 6, 2020
Fun , with a serious plot .

Zoe Chant , I am as always reading things half Assad backwards . I at least have gotten this far with Defenders ,Inc. And not had to turn around and start the other books of Protection , Inc. But now after this is completed I'll double back and see where it all started . Great stories ! BRAVA !
Profile Image for Tara Dorough.
1,266 reviews4 followers
June 20, 2021
Best Character Choices Ever

Defender Hellhound is book 3 of Zoe Chant's Protection, Inc series. The characters are simply amazing. Her choice of character shift forms is truly wonderful and unique. I can't wait to see what she has in store for Carter and Roland. In sure it'll be over the top perfect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews

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