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Honey Badger Chronicles #5
Born to Be Badger
The Honey Badgers are at it again in the New York Times bestselling and outstandingly witty, snarky, sexy, shape-shifting, world-building Honey Badger Chronicles. This time around, a family of clueless tiger shifter brothers have no idea how lucky they are to have caught the eye of three fierce honey badger females.
Emily “Tock” Meyerson-Jackson is on a mission to rid the world of shifters trafficking humans for hunting and cash. And now that she’s narrowed down her suspects to a brutal coalition of male lions, nothing will get between this honey badger and her prey—not even a dog-loving Tiger with absolutely no time management skills. Doesn’t matter that Shay Malone is ferociously adorable. With a war brewing between cat families, Tock doesn’t have time to lounge around with a football-playing tiger shifter. But when she realizes the coalition is also responsible for the death of Shay’s father, she’s forced to partner up with the flirtatious feline. . . .
Revenge is most definitely on the menu for Shay and his tiger shifter brothers. But when it comes to Shay’s alluring partner in crime-solving, so is seduction. Tock might be a bad-ass of a honey badger, but she’s awfully cute when she’s flashing her fangs, which she’s pretty much doing all the time these days. Good thing revenge is a dish best served hot. Because when it comes to Tock, Shay knows just how to turn up the heat. . . .
Emily “Tock” Meyerson-Jackson is on a mission to rid the world of shifters trafficking humans for hunting and cash. And now that she’s narrowed down her suspects to a brutal coalition of male lions, nothing will get between this honey badger and her prey—not even a dog-loving Tiger with absolutely no time management skills. Doesn’t matter that Shay Malone is ferociously adorable. With a war brewing between cat families, Tock doesn’t have time to lounge around with a football-playing tiger shifter. But when she realizes the coalition is also responsible for the death of Shay’s father, she’s forced to partner up with the flirtatious feline. . . .
Revenge is most definitely on the menu for Shay and his tiger shifter brothers. But when it comes to Shay’s alluring partner in crime-solving, so is seduction. Tock might be a bad-ass of a honey badger, but she’s awfully cute when she’s flashing her fangs, which she’s pretty much doing all the time these days. Good thing revenge is a dish best served hot. Because when it comes to Tock, Shay knows just how to turn up the heat. . . .
Audiobook
First published November 28, 2023
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About the author
Shelly Laurenston
46 books7,934 followersOriginally from Long Island, New York, Shelly Laurenston has resigned herself to West Coast living which involves healthy food, mostly sunny days, and lots of guys not wearing shirts when they really should be. Shelly Laurenston is also The New York Times Bestselling author G.A. Aiken, creator of the Dragon Kin series. For more info on G.A. Aiken's dangerously and arrogantly sexy dragons, check out her website at www.gaaiken.com.
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
Pseudonym G.A. Aiken
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 654 reviews
December 5, 2023
This was underwhelming and very much a filler book. The romance was meh and there wasn't much really going on, it was just a set up for the next book. I'll still read the next book, Keane and Nelle seem like they'll be entertaining, but personally, I think this could have been a novella.
September 19, 2023
The more I read in this series the more I love it! The humor has me constantly laughing. I love all the antics the Badgers get into and how they pull in other shifters. If you have read previous series, this feels like we are just continuing on, this one just focuses a bit more on Tock, Shay and Dani (Shay's daughter). I loved how Dani and Tock bonded with each other. And the puppies! And I really loved getting so much of Charlie. She is such a fascinating character that I'm glad she's had a big role in this whole series. I probably would recommend reading this in order. I think you just get more enjoyment out of these characters as you learn their personalities and what has conspired up to this point.
November 13, 2023
I've loved Shelly Laurenston for a long time, and I've read all her books. Every single one and while I've enjoyed them all to varying degrees, the one constant is the found family, good action sequences, and the always snarky, at times violent, humor. It is all in abundance here. What I will say is the romance feels very much like a sprinkle to the overarching storyline, not the main layer cake, so you'll need to be more into that than this book's main couple. Either way, I like this and I'm looking forward to what's coming next.
*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review*
*ARC provided via Netgalley in exchange for honest review*
December 28, 2023
Almost 4 stars
If you love shifter books, you have to read this series.
But be aware, these are no ordinary shifters, they are kinda crazy, but in a good way!
In this shifter world by Shelly Laurenston, there are all kinds of shifters. My favourites are the bears, but I also love the big cats, and some of the most entertaining shifters of all are the badgers.
Badgers are blood thirsty, extremely smart, tenacious, and incredibly hard to kill.
The main characters in the Honey Badger Chronicles are all badger females. Crazy females, with big personalities, and even louder voices. It's a lot of fun, and utterly entertaining from beginning to end.
The romance part is very slow burn, and sometimes it actually feels like an afterthought. But the interactions between the main characters are a big part of the entire story. There is enough time to allow the characters to get to know each other.
The books are full of interesting characters with big personalities. As always the interactions and relationships between the ever growing supporting cast is a lot of fun.
But that's also my main complain.
The amount of cast members is getting out of hand, and the big driving plot was almost non existing in this book. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the fabulous dialogues, and some of the many recurring characters, I just find it's getting to a point where there is nothing new in the overall plot and I'm starting to have problems keeping the characters apart.
Overall it was exactly what I expected, and I had a great time reading this new instalment.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
If you love shifter books, you have to read this series.
But be aware, these are no ordinary shifters, they are kinda crazy, but in a good way!
In this shifter world by Shelly Laurenston, there are all kinds of shifters. My favourites are the bears, but I also love the big cats, and some of the most entertaining shifters of all are the badgers.
Badgers are blood thirsty, extremely smart, tenacious, and incredibly hard to kill.
The main characters in the Honey Badger Chronicles are all badger females. Crazy females, with big personalities, and even louder voices. It's a lot of fun, and utterly entertaining from beginning to end.
The romance part is very slow burn, and sometimes it actually feels like an afterthought. But the interactions between the main characters are a big part of the entire story. There is enough time to allow the characters to get to know each other.
The books are full of interesting characters with big personalities. As always the interactions and relationships between the ever growing supporting cast is a lot of fun.
But that's also my main complain.
The amount of cast members is getting out of hand, and the big driving plot was almost non existing in this book. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy the fabulous dialogues, and some of the many recurring characters, I just find it's getting to a point where there is nothing new in the overall plot and I'm starting to have problems keeping the characters apart.
Overall it was exactly what I expected, and I had a great time reading this new instalment.
___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
December 1, 2023
cliffhanger, not up to standards
Absolutely hard to follow the exposition unless you have memorized the last 15 books or so, major cliffhanger ending, and not much of a romance.
Absolutely hard to follow the exposition unless you have memorized the last 15 books or so, major cliffhanger ending, and not much of a romance.
September 7, 2023
I need to be honest: Shelly Laurenston and her alias, GA Aiken, are my go-to comfort food when I'm having a rough day. I know I'll get smart characters, strong women, delightful snark, and great chemistry. So when I saw this ARC, I almost begged. While this is building on the last few Honey Badger stories, it's clear she's laying the groundwork to move this series along into other, untapped story arcs with new characters all tangentially connected to others interwoven across the shifter series. This book, more than any of the others, had the. most "other" voices in the story thread. I could see how some might argue that this is a weakness of the plot, but really: this book is a bridge.
While the "main characters" are Tock and Shay, Laurenston does what she does so well: make all the secondary characters as strong as the mains -- and make me not care that they also take center stage with the romantic partners. I've noticed in her more recent books that the chemistry is more slow burn, but I don't really care - I find it worth waiting for because the ride to get there is so worth it.
While you could read this stand-alone, I would recommend that you at least go back to book one in this series. You'll love the characters all the more if you've journeyed with them.
While the "main characters" are Tock and Shay, Laurenston does what she does so well: make all the secondary characters as strong as the mains -- and make me not care that they also take center stage with the romantic partners. I've noticed in her more recent books that the chemistry is more slow burn, but I don't really care - I find it worth waiting for because the ride to get there is so worth it.
While you could read this stand-alone, I would recommend that you at least go back to book one in this series. You'll love the characters all the more if you've journeyed with them.
August 25, 2025
Never thought I would find a family I enjoyed as much as the MacKilligan sisters but the Malone brothers are just so, so goofy I love them. Nothing bothers them, they don't sweat the small stuff, they are each other's best friends (though they'd deny it to their last breath) have short tempers, hold grudges and always get even. They are also extremely emotionally traumatised by the murder of their father, which happened when they were young, it's their ambition to find out who killed him and exact vengeance. Keane (the eldest) seems the most dangerous, he's very volatile, quick to fly off the handle and micro manages his family (all as a way of coping with his grief) Finn we met in the last book when he got into a relationship with Mads (one of the honey badgers in Max's basketball team, among other things) seems the most easy going of the brothers but is just as deadly. Shay is the sensitive one of the three and the biggest , he is already a father (due to a previous relationship) and shares custody of his ten year old daughter. There is a fourth brother but he's a lot younger and does not feature prominently in this book. Shay finds himself growing increasingly fascinated when Tock (another team member) whose nickname comes from her obsession with time and time management. In the last book the Mackilligans, Max's teammates and the Malones agreed to work together to find who killed the Molones father, as these people are now also after the Honey Badgers. This book starts off with Tock being targeted for elimination, (a fancy way of saying murdered) fortunately Shay had insisted on accompanying her things to wrong and although Honey Badger are known for being almost indestructible except this group has found a weapon that works against them, one which could have a devastating effect on the Honey Badger population not just their small group.
December 21, 2024
Some of the badger stories are kinda yawn for me but I liked this one a lot. I read it in one sitting and it was mostly because of the sweet, big, sorta dumb but not as dumb as he acts, hero. I loved his Mongolian tigerness and Mongolian big-ass sweetness. I still laugh the most at the bears who hang around Charlie (Hot and Badgered)- Charlie is the sister to Max (Badger to the Bone) and Max is Tock's bff. This book is indeed Tock's story, but her big guy had me chuckling more, but also mostly all gooey over his Zaddyness.
So the big bads in this book and books to come are shifters actually, mafia shifters from like the OG Mafia. They are trafficking humans this time and Tock and her team of Badgers, along with Wolfs and Bears and Tigers are about to converge and stop those mafioso lions from doing any more damage.
But first they, per usze, have to work through family and pack dynamics.
Oh yeah, I'm in for Nelle and grumpy tiger Uncle Mean's story coming up next. Cant get here fast enough, imo.
So the big bads in this book and books to come are shifters actually, mafia shifters from like the OG Mafia. They are trafficking humans this time and Tock and her team of Badgers, along with Wolfs and Bears and Tigers are about to converge and stop those mafioso lions from doing any more damage.
But first they, per usze, have to work through family and pack dynamics.
Oh yeah, I'm in for Nelle and grumpy tiger Uncle Mean's story coming up next. Cant get here fast enough, imo.
August 19, 2025
"An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review."
Full review will be posted shortly.
Full review will be posted shortly.
December 26, 2025
I enjoyed Tock and Shay as main characters, but continues to feel long. Also confused why Ze and Shen have pretty much disappeared
June 18, 2024
Look give me honey badgers any day. This series is just a comfort go to for me. While the storyline and the romance may not have been as strong as in other books in the series I didn't care. I was here for the whole thing. I love the banter and the strong female characters. I love the entire world and the fact that messing with any one of the female honey badgers in this series will probably have five of them descending on you and each one more vicious and crazy than the last.
The romance here was sweet though really didn't feel like the central point of this story at all. There's all these other pieces moving around and we've got a lot of past characters involved in figuring out just who is trafficking all these people. But Tock and Shay still seemed like a natural fit together. Tock's sneakily scary and her family is wild. I loved Shay and his brothers interactions with Shay's daughter. And her relationship with Tock cracked me up. I adored that they weren't suddenly like ooh another mom, but on the oh wait you're kind of genius for your age and you love numbers. Cool. I can get behind that.
This series just always makes me laugh and I can't put the books down when I start them. I could read these forever.
The romance here was sweet though really didn't feel like the central point of this story at all. There's all these other pieces moving around and we've got a lot of past characters involved in figuring out just who is trafficking all these people. But Tock and Shay still seemed like a natural fit together. Tock's sneakily scary and her family is wild. I loved Shay and his brothers interactions with Shay's daughter. And her relationship with Tock cracked me up. I adored that they weren't suddenly like ooh another mom, but on the oh wait you're kind of genius for your age and you love numbers. Cool. I can get behind that.
This series just always makes me laugh and I can't put the books down when I start them. I could read these forever.
August 30, 2023
NetGalley ARC Educator 550974
TW: Mentions of trafficking
I have been waiting for this installment for a year. Ms. Laurenston did not disappoint. There are some bad shifters who have it out for the badger nation and some humans it seems. This book focuses on Tok and Shay. Some of our favorites and love to hates are mentioned as well.
This book opens up a new world within the shape shifter universe as we meet new badgers, new Van Holtz's and new Malone's.
You will laugh, sigh and long for the next installment. It is a one sitting read and a standalone but you will want to read the entire series.
TW: Mentions of trafficking
I have been waiting for this installment for a year. Ms. Laurenston did not disappoint. There are some bad shifters who have it out for the badger nation and some humans it seems. This book focuses on Tok and Shay. Some of our favorites and love to hates are mentioned as well.
This book opens up a new world within the shape shifter universe as we meet new badgers, new Van Holtz's and new Malone's.
You will laugh, sigh and long for the next installment. It is a one sitting read and a standalone but you will want to read the entire series.
December 18, 2023
Gotta Love Those Crazy Badgers
4.75 Stars
This series will definitely keep you laughing and grinning.
I enjoyed this one more than the last one. Shay and Tock were hilarious.
My only problem and the reason I went with 4.75 instead of a full 5 star is there needed to be more sexual tension between them throughout their story.
We did get adult intimate scenes towards the very end and they were VERY good. But could have been better with more tension in that area building up.
The humor and craziness was fantastic.
Love that other characters from this series and others come in and out of these stories. And always in the appropriate way. So it flows properly.
Fast paced and fantastic flow.
Guaranteed to make your face hurt from laughing, grinning and rolling your eyes.
4.75 Stars
This series will definitely keep you laughing and grinning.
I enjoyed this one more than the last one. Shay and Tock were hilarious.
My only problem and the reason I went with 4.75 instead of a full 5 star is there needed to be more sexual tension between them throughout their story.
We did get adult intimate scenes towards the very end and they were VERY good. But could have been better with more tension in that area building up.
The humor and craziness was fantastic.
Love that other characters from this series and others come in and out of these stories. And always in the appropriate way. So it flows properly.
Fast paced and fantastic flow.
Guaranteed to make your face hurt from laughing, grinning and rolling your eyes.
November 20, 2023
I love returning to the shifter world that Shelly laurenston has created. I’m so excited to see Tock’s story in this book. She’s a honey badger who always has to be on time who finds herself attracted to a tiger who loves dogs and has an adorable daughter. This book has nonstop, action and shenanigans galore. It’s fun to see all the shifters coming together at times against an enemy and that they don’t even realize they have sometimes. Tock and Shay or a fun couple and it’s really need to see their dynamics. Of course all the other honey badgers and Shay‘s brothers add to the hilarity of the book. If you want a book that will make you laugh out loud from start to finish. This is the book for you.
April 7, 2024
A book that to follow you need to have read everything she's written and taken detailed notes. Not a stand alone.
December 22, 2023
Got this as an ARC from NetGalley before publication date.
Honey Badger Tock is fresh off the action of the last book when a call from family sends her across the world on a rescue mission, with Tiger Shay along for the ride. But things are not what they seem like -- the mission becomes an ambush, Tock and Shay's families (found and otherwise) are in deep trouble, and a worldwide conspiracy to traffic full humans falls into their laps to stop. The action starts and just doesn't stop. Answers will be had, romance will be found, but will the enemy be vanquished once and for all, and their world be the same?
While worth the wait to continue the series, slightly disappointed in the fact it teases a big bad but doesn't really resolve or offer a cliffhanger, more like a slow buildup. Good but not the strongest in the series. I'm sad that I will have to wait for the next one, and I could not predict whose story comes next.
Honey Badger Tock is fresh off the action of the last book when a call from family sends her across the world on a rescue mission, with Tiger Shay along for the ride. But things are not what they seem like -- the mission becomes an ambush, Tock and Shay's families (found and otherwise) are in deep trouble, and a worldwide conspiracy to traffic full humans falls into their laps to stop. The action starts and just doesn't stop. Answers will be had, romance will be found, but will the enemy be vanquished once and for all, and their world be the same?
While worth the wait to continue the series, slightly disappointed in the fact it teases a big bad but doesn't really resolve or offer a cliffhanger, more like a slow buildup. Good but not the strongest in the series. I'm sad that I will have to wait for the next one, and I could not predict whose story comes next.
December 22, 2023
Can we just reach an understanding, there is no point in publishing a full book in a series if all it is, is rehashing what has taken place in all the other books in the series till date.
Shay+Tock's story isn't even 50 pages.
Then, the convoluted twists and backstory, only for us to get to the end and we still don't know why the whole drama started or who is making the badger drug (unless it was such drivel I blanked out this being explained in the book).
I'm just annoyed. It was a lot of verbiage and it was like a writing prompt. You walk into a room, then you branch off with the thoughts of every person present/within the vicinity.
And if there is a new book in the series, let's have a legend with all the packs/characters and their related families/rivals.
Shay+Tock's story isn't even 50 pages.
Then, the convoluted twists and backstory, only for us to get to the end and we still don't know why the whole drama started or who is making the badger drug (unless it was such drivel I blanked out this being explained in the book).
I'm just annoyed. It was a lot of verbiage and it was like a writing prompt. You walk into a room, then you branch off with the thoughts of every person present/within the vicinity.
And if there is a new book in the series, let's have a legend with all the packs/characters and their related families/rivals.
June 1, 2025
I have been reading and reread Shelly Laurenston books for a long, long time. I also love her Dragon Kin Series under G.A. Aiken.
Born to Be Badger is book 5 and it takes off with a bang. I was smiling and LOL and it kept me reading till very late. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are larger than life, all the chaos and mayhem just was wildly entertaining... I love that we get glimpses of past characters as well.
Well worth the time to read. I am going to go back and reread the whole series again.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
Born to Be Badger is book 5 and it takes off with a bang. I was smiling and LOL and it kept me reading till very late. I really enjoyed this story. The characters are larger than life, all the chaos and mayhem just was wildly entertaining... I love that we get glimpses of past characters as well.
Well worth the time to read. I am going to go back and reread the whole series again.
I received a free ARC from Netgalley for my honest review.
December 6, 2023
Woohoo we have a Date, I cant freaking wait!
December 27, 2023
* You need to read the other books to understand the story at all.
Tock is on a mission to rid the world of evil shifters that traffic humans around the world, just to be hunted an eaten. One of the missions she and her friends of the basketball team perform, they happen upon an organisation that could lead to some answers for their friends, the Malone brothers. Shay Malone is currently focused on taking care of his daughter, but when Tock barges into his life he knows it will never be the same again. Because they are drawn to each other and together they might be able to learn more about the death of Shay's Father.
Pro's:
+ The characters in this book are a bit crazy and I love it. Just like the previous books the honey badgers get into a lot of shit and they start it too, but their bond and the banter between them is pure reading gold.
+ In the previous books the action scenes were absolutely epic and this book is no different. There was so much violence and it felt like that all these scenes drop you right into a great and epic action movie.
Con's:
- There were a lot of scenes in this book that were just characters talking to each other. I missed the heavy action from the previous books in this entry and even though we learn a lot this book feels a bit unbalanced.
This might be the first book in this series that I didn't enjoy that much. I felt like the epic action scenes that I loved from the previous books were missing in this entry. Not that there weren't any at all, but it felt like they were far between. Loved that characters as always, they are so great together and their banter really adds an extra dimension to this world. It was also nice to see the story gets more direction with every book, as it seems like there are some actual evil-doers in this world and our honey badgers will face them head on. Nice, but I hope the next book will be a bit more violent and action packed.
Tock is on a mission to rid the world of evil shifters that traffic humans around the world, just to be hunted an eaten. One of the missions she and her friends of the basketball team perform, they happen upon an organisation that could lead to some answers for their friends, the Malone brothers. Shay Malone is currently focused on taking care of his daughter, but when Tock barges into his life he knows it will never be the same again. Because they are drawn to each other and together they might be able to learn more about the death of Shay's Father.
Pro's:
+ The characters in this book are a bit crazy and I love it. Just like the previous books the honey badgers get into a lot of shit and they start it too, but their bond and the banter between them is pure reading gold.
+ In the previous books the action scenes were absolutely epic and this book is no different. There was so much violence and it felt like that all these scenes drop you right into a great and epic action movie.
Con's:
- There were a lot of scenes in this book that were just characters talking to each other. I missed the heavy action from the previous books in this entry and even though we learn a lot this book feels a bit unbalanced.
This might be the first book in this series that I didn't enjoy that much. I felt like the epic action scenes that I loved from the previous books were missing in this entry. Not that there weren't any at all, but it felt like they were far between. Loved that characters as always, they are so great together and their banter really adds an extra dimension to this world. It was also nice to see the story gets more direction with every book, as it seems like there are some actual evil-doers in this world and our honey badgers will face them head on. Nice, but I hope the next book will be a bit more violent and action packed.
July 6, 2024
I picked this up from a free book fair in March and it’s been staring at me from my bookshelf ever since. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into. Turns out this is book 4 in a series - I would not recommend starting with book 4. It was incredibly confusing and the plot went no where. It probably would make more sense in context. For how absurd it was, it was also surprisingly boring. It was also shockingly violent and gory - like they all have guns all the time (except of course when they need one the most) and are murdering if people left and right. 2 stars because I can see how it could be somebody’s cup of tea, but it’s not mine.
March 20, 2025
***5 Stars***
I don’t laugh out loud a lot, but anytime I dive back into this world, or any world by this author, I find myself giggling and laughing more than with most books I read. The craycray is OTT, not gonna lie, but I freakin’ love it! I love the characters and getting their POV’s on what is, or is not going on around them…
As for Tock and Shay. I loved them both. Tock is not as craycray as her Teammates aka friends, but don’t say that out loud, but she is loyal beyond measure and will do anything for them. Shay is pretty chill ~ he has to be considering Keane ~ but he’s a great dad and all around good Kitty. If you’ve read this series, or anything in this world, the romance is…subtle? They just find that they connect and want to actually be around each other more than not, of course Dani does help the cause, but they work for me.
While I’m all about the connections and crazy conversations and situations these characters find themselves in, the underlying storyline is definitely an interesting one and heating up to where mayhem is about it truly erupt in the shifter world.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
I don’t laugh out loud a lot, but anytime I dive back into this world, or any world by this author, I find myself giggling and laughing more than with most books I read. The craycray is OTT, not gonna lie, but I freakin’ love it! I love the characters and getting their POV’s on what is, or is not going on around them…
As for Tock and Shay. I loved them both. Tock is not as craycray as her Teammates aka friends, but don’t say that out loud, but she is loyal beyond measure and will do anything for them. Shay is pretty chill ~ he has to be considering Keane ~ but he’s a great dad and all around good Kitty. If you’ve read this series, or anything in this world, the romance is…subtle? They just find that they connect and want to actually be around each other more than not, of course Dani does help the cause, but they work for me.
While I’m all about the connections and crazy conversations and situations these characters find themselves in, the underlying storyline is definitely an interesting one and heating up to where mayhem is about it truly erupt in the shifter world.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
November 27, 2023
Born to Be a Badger is another winner for Laurenston’s Honey Badger Chronicles series that take place in the Pride world she created.
As usual, the badgers personalities shone through and the plot moved forward in a direction that should bring plenty of drama and action. The romance between Tock and Shay is quite lovely if a bit slow, but what really takes center stage is the relationship between the Badger teammates and their insane family dynamics.
I absolutely adore this series and the world Shelly Laurenston has created and I cannot wait for more!
*I was gifted an advanced copy by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
As usual, the badgers personalities shone through and the plot moved forward in a direction that should bring plenty of drama and action. The romance between Tock and Shay is quite lovely if a bit slow, but what really takes center stage is the relationship between the Badger teammates and their insane family dynamics.
I absolutely adore this series and the world Shelly Laurenston has created and I cannot wait for more!
*I was gifted an advanced copy by NetGalley, but all opinions are my own.
April 18, 2024
Fun
I love the universe Shelly Laurenston has created. The characters are witty and unassuming. I love how powerful the women are and how the men respect them to do what they have to do. All of these books are laugh out loud funny.
I love the universe Shelly Laurenston has created. The characters are witty and unassuming. I love how powerful the women are and how the men respect them to do what they have to do. All of these books are laugh out loud funny.
November 30, 2023
Always a riot, always fun. I didn't feel like this was very romantic, but I enjoy the shenanigans so I'll let it pass. The daughter was cute and not annoying which is always a plus. I love her books and wish I can find more authors like her (besides the well knowns, it's unlikely to find someone new to me 😭)
February 14, 2025
Slapstick Humor, Intense Action, A Dash of Mystery, Two Teaspoons Of Romance, And Three Spicy Chili Peppers Combined Into One Great Book.
Quote:📖
These girls were true honey badgers. Mean, vicious, snarling, honey badgers that no one should ever sneak up on. Or try to kill while they were having a sleepover at a friend’s house.
Thoughts: 💡
I love Shelly and this story captures her iconic sarcasm and wit entwined with intense action sequences and romance. For the last few years Laurenston’s books have encompassed more action sequences and intricate plot twists than romance elements and that trend has continued into this book. It’s still an exciting page turner and has a fun little dose of smut, but there is very little romance.
Writing Mechanics: ✍️
The story is well written and edited with a plot driven storyline that has a few twists. Each character is deeply developed with motivations and back stories. There isn’t a lot of romance but there are 🩸 action scenes in every chapter. The characters are staunchly morally gray with their own code of ethics and a love of chaos. “Honey badger don’t care” is the prevailing theme. I laugh at some point in every chapter, usually multiple times.
Fun Bits:
⚜️ Deadpan Humor
⚜️ Fierce Give No 🤬 FMC
⚜️ Cinnamon Roll MMC With A Killer Instinct
⚜️ Hilarious Side Characters
⚜️ Close Friendships
Important Note:✨
This is an interconnected standalone that builds on the previous books.
✨✨✨ There are multiple POVs in this book and none of them are marked, you have to figure out which is which while you read.
(I paused this book several times to read others, but I as always excited to pick it back up.
Stats:📊
Spice Scale: 2 🌶️🌶️/ 5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Genre: Paranormal Shifter Romance📕
Tropes: Solving Crimes, Catching a Killer, Unlikely Allies, Opposites Attract, Found Family, Multicultural, Organized Crime, Honey Badger Don’t Care📘
POV: Multi 10+ POV 💃🏻🕺
CW: Violence, Gore, Murder, Death, Assault⚠️
Quote:📖
These girls were true honey badgers. Mean, vicious, snarling, honey badgers that no one should ever sneak up on. Or try to kill while they were having a sleepover at a friend’s house.
Thoughts: 💡
I love Shelly and this story captures her iconic sarcasm and wit entwined with intense action sequences and romance. For the last few years Laurenston’s books have encompassed more action sequences and intricate plot twists than romance elements and that trend has continued into this book. It’s still an exciting page turner and has a fun little dose of smut, but there is very little romance.
Writing Mechanics: ✍️
The story is well written and edited with a plot driven storyline that has a few twists. Each character is deeply developed with motivations and back stories. There isn’t a lot of romance but there are 🩸 action scenes in every chapter. The characters are staunchly morally gray with their own code of ethics and a love of chaos. “Honey badger don’t care” is the prevailing theme. I laugh at some point in every chapter, usually multiple times.
Fun Bits:
⚜️ Deadpan Humor
⚜️ Fierce Give No 🤬 FMC
⚜️ Cinnamon Roll MMC With A Killer Instinct
⚜️ Hilarious Side Characters
⚜️ Close Friendships
Important Note:✨
This is an interconnected standalone that builds on the previous books.
✨✨✨ There are multiple POVs in this book and none of them are marked, you have to figure out which is which while you read.
(I paused this book several times to read others, but I as always excited to pick it back up.
Stats:📊
Spice Scale: 2 🌶️🌶️/ 5
Character Dev: 5 💙💙💙💙💙/5
Genre: Paranormal Shifter Romance📕
Tropes: Solving Crimes, Catching a Killer, Unlikely Allies, Opposites Attract, Found Family, Multicultural, Organized Crime, Honey Badger Don’t Care📘
POV: Multi 10+ POV 💃🏻🕺
CW: Violence, Gore, Murder, Death, Assault⚠️
September 2, 2023
I am a long time Shelly Laurenston fan and the Honey Badgers have been my favorite ever since Livy was introduced in the Pride Series. This book did not disappoint (per usual)! In Born to Be Badger, Emily "Tock", our favorite honey badger focused on time management and whose specialty is explosives, and Shay Malone, the quieter Malone brother that has a young daughter and a soft spot for his dogs, team up with the other badgers and Malone brothers to continue the job of uncovering who killed the Malone's father and the human trafficking ring from the previous books. I liked that Tock and Shay's relationship developed from a mutual respect and understanding. I also enjoyed meeting Shay's daughter Dani and how she got along with Tock and Charlie McKilligan.
One of my favorite parts of Ms. Laurenston's books is that they always include past Pride Series characters so it's wonderful to catch up with them (Eggie!). This time we even got to meet some (new to us) extended family members of the Van Holtz pack and the Malone family, Streep's fiance (this was a happy adorable surprise!), as well as a group of older honey badgers that I imagine will be like how Max, Tock, Mads, Nelle, and Streep are in 20/30 years.
I 100% believe that everyone needs more Honey Badgers in their life or to at least be more like a Honey Badger. I sincerely hope Ms. Laurenston will keep putting out more. I need to know how Nelle and Keane get together next, I still want to find out if Nat and Kyle will ever get together, and now I want to learn more about Mads' Aunt Tracy and her honey badger group!
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
One of my favorite parts of Ms. Laurenston's books is that they always include past Pride Series characters so it's wonderful to catch up with them (Eggie!). This time we even got to meet some (new to us) extended family members of the Van Holtz pack and the Malone family, Streep's fiance (this was a happy adorable surprise!), as well as a group of older honey badgers that I imagine will be like how Max, Tock, Mads, Nelle, and Streep are in 20/30 years.
I 100% believe that everyone needs more Honey Badgers in their life or to at least be more like a Honey Badger. I sincerely hope Ms. Laurenston will keep putting out more. I need to know how Nelle and Keane get together next, I still want to find out if Nat and Kyle will ever get together, and now I want to learn more about Mads' Aunt Tracy and her honey badger group!
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for providing this e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 24, 2023
Theoretically you could start with either Mads’ story (Breaking Badger) or Max’s story (Badger to the Bone) before reading Born to be Badger, though this book is embroiled in the overarching MacKilligan siblings story which begins with Hot and Badgered.
Honey Badger books: 1) Hot and Badgered 2) In a Badger Way 3) Badger to the Bone 4) Breaking Badger 5) Born to be Badger
Born to be Badger continues with pairing someone from Max’s basketball team with a Malone brother, and there is sequel bait for the next honey badger book in this one. This book has the signature madcap adventure energy while also deepening and changing our understanding of shifter politics. Tock and Shay are believable as a couple. I absolutely loved Shay’s daughter and the ongoing hilarity of shifters owning non-shifting dogs, which they reluctantly claim ownership of but would absolutely kill to protect. There is another scene where Max’s hair changes style and probably even color between eyeblinks. At the same time, this book reads like a bridge between the previous books and what is looking to be the concluding book. There is a deepening of the worldbuilding, but nothing new is necessarily introduced. I also wouldn’t say that the romance is central to the story, though the two do spend a lot a time together because Shay just decides to tag along. I’m looking forward to the next book. I absolutely love all of the honey badger books and have read everything Shelly Laurenston has written.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley.
Honey Badger books: 1) Hot and Badgered 2) In a Badger Way 3) Badger to the Bone 4) Breaking Badger 5) Born to be Badger
Born to be Badger continues with pairing someone from Max’s basketball team with a Malone brother, and there is sequel bait for the next honey badger book in this one. This book has the signature madcap adventure energy while also deepening and changing our understanding of shifter politics. Tock and Shay are believable as a couple. I absolutely loved Shay’s daughter and the ongoing hilarity of shifters owning non-shifting dogs, which they reluctantly claim ownership of but would absolutely kill to protect. There is another scene where Max’s hair changes style and probably even color between eyeblinks. At the same time, this book reads like a bridge between the previous books and what is looking to be the concluding book. There is a deepening of the worldbuilding, but nothing new is necessarily introduced. I also wouldn’t say that the romance is central to the story, though the two do spend a lot a time together because Shay just decides to tag along. I’m looking forward to the next book. I absolutely love all of the honey badger books and have read everything Shelly Laurenston has written.
I received an advance review copy from NetGalley.
August 31, 2025
If you like Shifters and badass group of women who take no shit from the world and know they are badass but are good hearted and are up against those who want to harm anyone they love this series is for you! Shelly Laurenston has crafted a world that incorporates Shifters into our world and basically we don't know they exist. But they are thriving and since they have skills that human don't have they are having more fun! The honey badgers are a cray bunch but so loyal and the Shifter world knows not to mess with them. The story of Tock and her teammates was a great read and I was laughing and intrigued the whole time. There were a lot of new characters and familiar faces. I WANT to learn more of the world and I think Shelly Laurenston has done a great job laying the ground floor for many adventures. The book had a hint of romance but the relationship was great to read as it was built from mutual respect and charm. Loved it. Great installment in the series.
June 7, 2025
4.75⭐️ Shay and “Tock”. A time obsessed, explosive loving Honey badger falls for the Single-father, chill Amur Tiger. This book was well written (as most of the ones in the series are). Its fun, explosive, hilarious and sweet. I love Tock, she was always one of my favorite of the crazy friends in this series. Shay was a sweet little cupcake of a tiger who loves dogs and his kid ❤️. I like the dynamic between the couple as well as Tock being a terrible influence but not terrible to Shay’s daughter. I also like the relationship dynamic between Shay and his ex. Teamwork makes the dream work. The romance in this series is not the most important aspect, the honey badgers get into more shit than they sign up for and it shows. I’m loving this series and need more!
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