Badger

Elite #2

by Elle Menard

Badger's story is up next! Blurb coming soon.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 21, 2026

Reviews

[Brooke Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG. OMG!!!
This book was breathtaking taking! I could not put it down and literally finished it in a day! I knew I loved Machine in Book 1 but in this?!?!?! HOLY COW!!! Badger and Machine are my favorite couple!! I cried, laughed, got mad and ALMOST yeeted my kindle but it all came together at the end. AND THE ENDING!!!!!
WOW. That is all I can say!!! Definitely worth the read!!!!

[Arin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like with the first book in this series I loved this second book it’s a fantastic dark theme story! I loved getting to know more characters in the series I loved the confidence Jess has she’s an inspiration with not shutting down after very hard terrible situations. The back and forth between Jess and Even was very interesting, entertaining and steamy I loved the intense attraction conflict and everything in between. This book was so intense in my opinion I couldn’t put it down it’s really bridge worthy with the depth of determination to fix what’s gone wrong and do whatever it takes to shut the bad guys down. Badger is definitely not someone you want to mess around with I’m so happy with the outcome of this book it was gut wrenching at times and I definitely yelled a lot during my reading but so worth it! Plenty of shocking moments, come on not again, dangerous worries moments but obviously I set of characters that don’t care and provide that they were have the last say! Thank goodness Even showed patience cause he and Jess are perfect for one another plus are great at helping with healing each other pasts in so many ways! I love getting answers plus more secret mysteries can’t wait for book 3! The author did a great job with keeping my heart racing/ at the edge of my seat the whole way through this bittersweet crime thriller book! Please read the author’s note beforehand just to prepare yourself for this dark adventure! :)
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packedEntertainingFunnyHauntingHappily Ever AfterPage-turnerRomanticScarySteamyTear-jerkerTragicTwistedUnpredictable Wonderful characters

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oooo... this series is really really good. I liked the 1st book and this one I love. This is an interconnected series and Badger takes place at some of the same time as Phantom which is super cool to read some of the events from Phantom from 2 other characters POVs. I can't wait for the 3rd book, Zombie, to see how it fits into the storyline. This book is darker than the first please check the TW. Our FMC, Jess aka Badger, is goals for a badass female character. She's strong, can kick major ass, has depth, and a survivor (check your TW). Our MMC, Evan aka Machine, is a tortured soul. Yes, he's 2nd for the Don of the family but before that just trauma. He is a survivor though he falls into deep depressions due to his trauma, again check your TW. Also he's pierced so you know the spice parts were good. Their quips are cute, I may have giggled a few times. I cried again for Arrow but most of the time I was on the edge of my seat as its a quick paced book that I read in 1 day.

[Trisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 2 of this series and wow it doesn't disappoint at all! This book occurs along the same time line as Phantom (book 1). The relationship between Badger and Machine is one for the ages: the banter, sexual chemistry, the way they work together, try to ignore each other while still watching each other. I am surprised my Kindle didn't start smoking.

This book is a roller coaster ride of emotions from suspense, fear, love, laughter, friendship, loss, you name it this book has it. I couldn't put this book down, it had me turning pages while loving characters at times, hating them sometimes, anxious to find out what was happening. I absolutely have fallen in love with all of the characters in this series and am impatiently waiting to find out more about them and their stories.

This book is a definite must read!!!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is really good. I liked the first book, but this one I loved.
Badger runs alongside Phantom, and it was so fun seeing some of those same moments from different POVs—it added a lot of depth. I already can’t wait for Zombie.This one is darker, so definitely check the trigger warnings.

Jess (Badger) is such a badass FMC—strong, layered, and a survivor. Evan (Machine) is a tortured, complex MMC with a lot of trauma, and yes… the piercings mean the spice delivered. 🔥 Their tension is so good—forced to work together, zero trust at first, and he’s always watching her like prey. The banter had me smiling, but the emotional moments still hit hard. Fast-paced, gripping, and I read it in a day. If you liked Phantom, you’ll love this one even more.

[Trisha Sundby · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS WHOLE SERIES IS A MUST READ...
I feel honored to have been selected as an ARC reader for Elle Menard's latest book, just as I was for Phantom. I would like to extend my gratitude to Elle Menard for this opportunity to be a part of this remarkable journey.

If you thought the first installment, Phantom, was a wild ride, just wait until you dive into this book. With its mind-blowing twists and turns, it's an emotionally charged adventure that's both captivating and empowering. Badger's determination to find her sister is seriously admirable, and her attitude is a total reflection of her strength. And lets not forget about Badger and Machine 🔥🔥 The journey may be a bumpy one, but it's totally worth it. (Check the tw)

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All right everyone...for those of you who read Phantom...Badger is book 2 in the series.

This book actually runs parallel to Phantom while telling Badgers and Machines story.
The back and forth sparring between them makes for some incredibly fun banter. It also does a much deeper dive into the background of both characters. Is there spice? Of course there is and it's very hot but the storyline is about more than heat.

I thoroughly love how Elle ties book one into this one while still maintaining a separate story.
No you don't need to read book one but I highly recommend it just because.

Now I can't wait for book 3!

[ZJT · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fascinating read in one sitting book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The non-stop action, the danger and the suspense had me all tied up. I loved the mystery and the budding romance between Badger and Machine.

Snarky, steamy, and explosive, with all the dark and evil vibes, it has it all. The investigation that merges with mafia ties and the rebuilding of the team is all consuming. I could not put this story down.

Although there is a continuing storyline, this does read as a standalone. But, the series is so good you are going to want to read it in order from the beginning. I eagerly await book three.

[LittleRoguePrincess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Badger is the second book in this series and it is excellent! Badger and Machine are both broken and traumatized, both fighting against common enemies internally and externally. The character development was amazing and I loved watching them learn to love themselves and one another. It was dark, spicy, intense, sad, and happy all at the same time. Definitely an emotional roller coaster but well worth it. While this is the second book in the series and I HIGHLY recommend reading the first book, you can read this as a standalone and not be lost. Excellent read.

[Mayra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am at lost for words. I was obsessed and in love with Phantom but Badger is... hands down freaking amazing. Machine's love for Badger is beautiful. If you liked and enjoyed Phantom, you will love Badger. People! do not sleep on this series. It's a great read, definitely going on my favorite books list. It will have you sitting at the edge of you seat not wanting know put it down with the suspens. And the spicy seens will leave soaked and wanting for more. I love how Badger runs parallel to Phantom. Can't wait for book 3 Zombie's story😁.

[Ambre Dalton · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE !!!

I loved it!!! I was hooked from the start. I couldnt put it down! I live for good banter!!! I loved Badger and Machine's characters. The back stories. It was an emotional roller coaster. I laughed so much and got misty eyed. I think my jaw dropped a bunch of times too. If u like hot banter, and hot scenes, strong characters and heavy content This series is for you! I loved it! I need all the books in the series now.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good, fast read. Great if you want to get a whole story in but are limited on time. While it is book 2 of a series Evan and Jessica’s story can be read as a stand alone if you’d like. This stories timeline overlaps with book one so you end up getting some of the same events from new perspectives. It really shows that you dont have to give up love to focus on your goal, you can do it together.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Phantom, but Badger didn’t grab me in the same way for the first half, I found it a little choppy and confusing, It felt a little like a transitional episode. But the second half was just as good with all the heat, dialogue and suspense you expect. The ending was great and the hint for Zombie was intriguing and I look forward to it. All in all an enjoyable read.

[Kelly Tarleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing story of Badger. I would definitely recommend reading the first book, Phantom. That way some of the situations make sense in this book. There are several twists and turns. Gut wrenching situations. Badger is a tough women, with a hard outter shell due to her past. But she has one goal. Find her sister. Absolutely LOVED this book!

[Alexx Monastiero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping & heartfelt second book

This book keeps you hooked from moment one with compassion for the FMC and all she's been through from the very first pages I couldn't put it down. Love being back in the Phantom/Ghost world but from this new perspective. If you like mafia, twists & turns, redemption, and a much deserved HEA you'll love this book. 🔥

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, My first book by Elle Menard, Not my last I went and bought the first book and can't wait to read it, I loved Jess and Evan. Such a strong attraction. I was pulled in and couldn't put it down. The storyline is a page turner and engaging, Emotional, the chemistry is wow. I loved it

[Gina Wooldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great continuation from the first book. I loved these 2 in Phantom and so glad to see they were still with the banter and snark. Machine and Badger were perfect for each other and the plot was so dark and spicy and twisted that I couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next book.

[Elaine Crookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 2 in this series and it didn’t disappoint.
It tells the same story as book 1 but from machine and badgers point of view and then carries the story forward.
There is banter, action, tension and spice.
It is such a good book I highly recommend. I can’t wait for book 3

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real roller coaster of a story - starts out VERY dark, then twists and turns it's way through 2 broken people finding themselves. Holds your interest but be prepared to invest the time it takes to follow the story - definitely not a light quick read!

[Emily Nash · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVED diving back into this world and these characters. Elle nailed it again with the mix of excitement, drama and dark sexy energy. I had so much fun with both characters 🥰

[Karyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle has done it again. This book has the perfect amount of romance and plot to keep you turning the page. I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend!

[Chelsea Newcomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC received from Author

If you read phantom then you know this is book 2 in the series. Badger is written along the same time line as phantom, this is Badger and machines story! The banter between the two of them is incredible! The story also offers a dive into the background of both of them. And let me just say the spice is SPICING !!!!! Two words ——S*X Machine!

I cannot wait for book 3 !!

[Brianne Hersey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first book in this series and this one hits just as hard.

The chemistry between Badger and machine is palpable.

Looking forward to what comes next