🦡 Book Review: To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston
A riotous, action-packed shifter romance that blends chaos, claws, and laugh-out-loud banter.
Shelly Laurenston’s sixth installment in the Honey Badger Chronicles, To Kill a Badger, continues the series’ trademark blend of paranormal romance, outrageous humor, and fierce female leads. With a Goodreads rating of 4.36/5 from early reviewers, this book promises another wild ride through the world of honey badgers, big cats, and the dysfunctional families that love them.
🧨 Plot Overview
Nelle Zhao is a social media-savvy honey badger with a knack for survival and a habit of protecting her chaotic teammates—whether they appreciate it or not. Her latest challenge? Keane Malone, a grumpy, emotionally unavailable feline shifter with a vendetta against the de Medici lion coalition, who murdered his father and are now trafficking humans for profit.
Keane doesn’t want help. Nelle doesn’t care. As the two team up to take down the de Medicis, sparks fly, claws come out, and Nelle’s relentless optimism begins to crack Keane’s icy exterior. But in true Laurenston fashion, the romance is just one layer of a multi-threaded plot filled with family drama, shifter politics, and explosive action.
🐾 Why Fans Love It
- Grumpy x Chaos Queen: Nelle’s sunshine energy clashes hilariously with Keane’s brooding intensity.
- Found Family Vibes: The honey badger crew is back, bringing their signature blend of loyalty, violence, and absurdity.
- Multi-POV Mayhem: The story jumps between perspectives, adding depth and momentum to the plot.
- Feminist Undertones: Laurenston’s heroines are unapologetically fierce, funny, and in charge.
💬 Reader Reactions
- “Shelly Laurenston never misses—this book is pure chaos and heart.”
- “Nelle is my new favorite badger. She’s unhinged in the best way.”
- “Keane’s slow thaw is so satisfying. The banter? Top-tier.”
Some readers noted that the multiple plotlines can be a bit overwhelming, but most agree the pacing and humor keep things moving.
🏁 Final Verdict
To Kill a Badger is another wildly entertaining entry in a series that refuses to take itself too seriously—while still delivering sharp wit, sizzling romance, and a whole lot of bite. If you love shifter stories with strong women, snarky dialogue, and over-the-top action, this one’s a must-read.
