🦡 Book Review: To Kill a Badger by Shelly Laurenston
A riotous, action-packed shifter romance that blends laugh-out-loud humor, fierce loyalty, and high-stakes revenge—with honey badgers doing what they do best: causing chaos.
Book 6 in Shelly Laurenston’s beloved Honey Badger Chronicles, To Kill a Badger continues the series’ signature blend of paranormal romance, absurdist comedy, and wild ensemble dynamics. With a strong Goodreads rating of 4.36/5 from early readers, this installment is already being celebrated for its sharp dialogue, layered characters, and unapologetically bonkers energy.
🧠 Plot Overview
Nelle Zhao, a social media maven and honey badger shifter, is used to managing disasters—especially those caused by her unpredictable teammates. But when she’s pulled into a deadly feud involving the de Medici lion shifter coalition, things get personal. These lions aren’t just trafficking humans—they murdered Keane Malone’s father.
Keane, a solitary feline shifter with a vendetta, doesn’t want help. Especially not from Nelle, whose chaotic energy and relentless helpfulness drive him up the wall. But as the two are forced to team up, their dynamic shifts from antagonistic to electric. And Nelle, despite her glittery exterior, proves she’s more than capable of taking down an empire.
💬 Why Readers Love It
- Unmatched Humor: Laurenston’s trademark wit is in full force, with snarky banter and absurd situations that somehow feel grounded in emotional truth.
- Strong Female Lead: Nelle is resourceful, loyal, and delightfully unfiltered—a honey badger who doesn’t back down.
- Enemies-to-Lovers Energy: The tension between Nelle and Keane crackles, offering both laughs and swoons.
- Expanded Worldbuilding: The de Medici lions add a new layer of villainy, while the pack dynamics remain as chaotic and lovable as ever.
📣 Reader Reactions
- “Nelle is the MVP—funny, fierce, and full of surprises.”
- “Keane’s slow thaw is so satisfying. Their chemistry is off the charts.”
- “The plot is wild, but somehow it all works. Classic Laurenston.”
Some readers noted that the multiple POVs can be a bit dizzying, especially if you’re new to the series. This book is best enjoyed in order, as it builds on long-running character arcs and pack politics.
🏁 Final Verdict
To Kill a Badger is a gloriously chaotic, emotionally satisfying ride through the world of shifters, revenge plots, and found family. If you love paranormal romance with bite, banter, and badgers who break all the rules, this one’s a must-read.
