Hot and Badgered might be the first book in a story arc but it is all part of the same shifter world created by Shelly Laurenston so be ready to spend time with some old friends…and enemies.

In Hot and Badgered we meet three half-sisters, Charlie, Max and Stevie, three daughters of a honey badger named Freddy “the fuck up” MacKilligan. Their father is a major screw up and a thief, but not even a good thief. Whatever he steals, he loses. Which only makes things worse for Charlie, Max and Stevie, because whoever Freddy’s screws over usually tries to take it out on his daughters. Or, let’s not forget the time he sold his youngest daughter Stevie, the prodigy, to a Columbian drug lord to make designer meth for him. Freddy is all about stealing a buck and doesn’t worry about the destruction (or the daughters) he leaves behind.

When Freddy steals over a million pounds sterling from his own, not very legal, businessman brother, it once again puts the girls running from another group of hired mercenies. Well, really they only run as far as they need to in order to get those thugs into their own trap. The MacKilligans are honey badgers. Not only are honey badgers hard to kill, but after years of dealing with their father’s B.S., they know how to get real mean.

But this last screw up also put Charlie in the path of one sweet grizzly bear, who is more of a teddy bear, and no matter how much Charlie protests that Berg doesn’t want to get involved in the MacKilligan curse, she simply can’t shoo him away. And she is starting to realize, she just doesn’t want to.

In a series full of different types of wolves, lions, tigers, bears, jackels, and wolverines, it is the honey badger that everyone fears. They are the most vicious and the hardest to kill. Charles even takes on Dee Ann Smith and comes out on top!

I find in this series that the more antisocial the character, the more I love them. Livy from Bite Me and Bo Novikov from Beast Behaving Badly are at the top of my list. They are just outragous which makes it so funny.

But I have to admit, as much as I enjoy Shelly Laurenston’s (and alter ego G.G. Aiken) stories while I am reading them, I don’t feel the need to play catch up on the books that I missed or feel the desire to do a series re-read. They are fun stories, but they never call to me to come back again even on my favorite characters.

I really like how Shelly Laurenston combines paranormal romance with humor at times. An interesting storyline that kept me hooked. Enjoyed

I absolutely loved this book! It was hilarious. I wasn't sure how honey badgers would work out but it so did. I read a lot of shifter books so am used to powerful creatures, majestic ones but these were even better. There was romance thrown into the mix but also a lot of familial relationships and friendship too. I loved the sisters at the core of the book, it made me wish I had two sisters to watch my back no matter what. I can't wait for more honey badgers!

HOT AND BADGERED introduces the Honey Badger Chronicles series, a new venture set in the Pride universe. For those of you who aren’t in the know, the Pride universe features shifters of all kinds – bears, lions, jackals, you name it – who live among humans but have their own complex social and political structures. Although this series does feature characters from the original Pride series, it stands on its own, meaning that new readers can experience the wild ride that is a Shelly Laurenston story.

Charlie MacKilligan, a wolf/honey badger hybrid, has spent her entire life trying to protect her younger sisters Max and Stevie. But that’s a big ask, what with Max’s criminal schemes and Stevie’s incredible and unstable genius…and the MacKilligan curse, of course. That curse? Their father, Freddy MacKilligan. He’s gotten them in deep trouble before, but this time the sisters are going to need outside help to weather the storm he’s brought down on their heads.

Enter Berg Dunn, a securities expert and bear shifter. Berg and his siblings will work with the MacKilligan sisters to bring their father to justice, and keep the girls alive. Not that they need help taking out their enemies, but the three sisters have been shut out of shifter culture and they’re liable to cross lines that can’t be uncrossed without someone to teach them. Berg is a total sweetheart and Charlie’s an anxious, overprotective, violent terror. Needless to say, they make a pretty cute pair.

The MacKilligan sisters are by far the strongest part of HOT AND BADGERED, as their admittedly larger-than-life personalities get the most page-time. As much as I like Charlie, I confess that I’m dying to read about Max and Stevie. They’re completely nuts (in a good way) and I can’t wait to see who Laurenston pairs them up with, especially after getting a few chapters from their POVs. All the setting and POV changes feel a little chaotic at times, and I think that will be especially true for readers who are new to the Pride universe. But if you’re able to stick it out, that chaos is part of the appeal of Laurenston’s books. Her stories and characters are over-the-top whacky and some are borderline insane…and it’s just a ton of fun to read about.

Though I really enjoyed the story, it was funny and great it was hard to realize we had jumped so far ahead in the story - With past characters all of a sudden having children that are several years old when I didn't know going in that we were jumping that far ahead. That really bugged me to learn halfway through the book. However the overall story was great and I really enjoyed it.

I did not think I would like this book as much as the others from this author. I was used to the characters I had grown to love and the series that I loved. I could not be happier to be so wrong! The characters in this series make you laugh so hard you snort, at the same time they are tough and somewhat tender. The ladies are honey badgers with flair. They have family issues galore, allergies, psychiatric issues, anger management issues and a dead beat dad that should be locked away. The visits of some of my favorite characters was icing on the cake. I did not want this story to end and can't wait until the next one!!

I requested the book because of the author. I have adored Shelly Laurenston for an eon and all her books are fabulously funny. She writes ridiculously out there heroines who are brimming with snark and, although they can be silly, the books have never failed to make me laugh.

This book focuses on three criminal, honey-badger sisters who are trying to survive whatever ridiculous situation their dead-beat father throws their way. Their family doesn’t accept them due to their hybrid natures, their community struggle with them as honey-badger hybrids had never been seen before so they had only each other to rely on.

This book centers around Charlie, the big sister with the responsibilities of protecting her genius sister from the world and protecting the world from her sociopath sister. Throughout the book, she has to navigate these duties whilst protecting them all from their awful Father (he really is awful). There is a whole heap of world-building to do setting up the back story of these sisters, which means, unfortunately, the romance content is limited however it does mean this book is absolutely amazing. I really enjoyed dipping into the bear/honey-badger world – and it’s always fun to see familiar favorites (Cella and Dee-Ann are in here – I love these two!).

The male protagonist in this book is Berg, the bear shifter. A triplet, he is used to being around siblings, so he is the perfect mate for Charlie who is heavily attached to her siblings (they are a package deal). Charlie drops in his lap (naked) and he can’t stop thinking about her after that. He is deceptively easygoing but that all stops when it comes to protecting Charlie! I loved how perceptive he was when he came to her and her needs. Berg is a fabulous beta hero and I adored him.

The only thing that was a little disappointing was the romance. There just wasn’t enough space for everything in the book and this was the thing that got cut. It did leave more space for the fantastic female friendships in there though so I can’t complain too much!

I really enjoyed this book! It was bonkers but I feel, as the series has continued, the characters have become fully fleshed and more relatable. I loved the new world but, secretly, I also loved seeing the old faces in a new setting (Kyle!). I can’t wait to read more!

I loved this book. The characters and the world created were fun and creative. The plot was imaginative and well-paced. The character of the father was a brilliant touch. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
My thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Hot and Badgered a humorous story that will have you laughing so hard that you have tears streaming down your face.

There are only a few spinoff stories that I found that I enjoy immensely, and I am happy to say that Hot and Badgered is one of them. In Shelly Laurenston new Paranormal Romance, Hot and Badgered: Honey Badgers Chronicles we are taken back to those old so funny shifters The Honey Badgers. Though this time we’re introduced to three sister that proves that Hybrid Badgers are just some messed up shifters.

Max MacKilligan the second sister, who I thought was a psychopath with a mild case of narcissism. Which made Max one deadly Badger if crossed.

Stevie MacKilligan the youngest sister. Now how do I describe Stevie? She is overly smart. So, smart as that she can destroy the world if she wanted to. Max and Charlie protect her from people who would love to get their hand on her to use her brilliance. However, don’t think, just because she’s super intelligent that she isn’t deadly.

Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan the oldest of the three sisters, and the most, deadliest out of the three. And in Hot and Badgered we come to learn how deadly Charlie is.

The story begins with a game of cat and mouse. However, the game is reversed, when the mouse becomes the deadlier of the two. The MacKilligan sisters have been screwed by everyone even their dad. Though they don’t feel so special, because it seems their day has screwed over the entire populace. And someones is wanting some payback.

So, with mercenaries hot on the sister’s trail its nothing like having your own manpower. Especially if that manpower comes in the form of a sexy grizzly shifter.

Berg Dunn a grizzly shifter, who is the bodyguard to a young pianist who is on tour. He thought his life could get in worst. Then in a woman drops down onto his balcony and several action scenes later, his life won’t be normal ever again.

Though, don’t be in shock that you find the humor overpowers the romance in this piece. When Berg and Charlie finally got together, I didn’t really feel the spark. I might have appreciated their sexy time together more if I wasn’t laughing so hard just a few seconds before.

Overall, the story was a pleasure to read and I think that readers old and new to Shelly Laurenston world of shifters will appreciate this story.

Shelly Laurenston is AMAZING!!! Hot and Badgered was absolutely delightful, funny, sexy, and cute. I love the new characters Laurenston has introduced, while also seeing how the lives of favorite characters have changed. I already cannot wait for the next installment!

Read for Review/Listened for Fun (NetGalley/Audible)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)

Quick Thoughts Story: Hot and Badgered had a lot of the qualities that I loved about her Call of Crows series: Quirky Characters, Strong Women, Hot Men, and HUMOR! While I felt there wasn't enough time spent on the romance, I did enjoy the book. I am really looking forward to the sisters stories.

Quick Audio Thoughts: Traci Odem did an excellent job bringing these characters to life. I totally recommend getting it on audio.

New to paranormal romance & thought I would give this read a try ...

There are a lot of characters to keep track of and at times found the book confusing with the plot somewhat hard to follow....

I did like the 2 central character & just wanted the storyline to focus on them more

There is however clever - funny dialog & some cool for lack of a better word “super powers” that take the reader’s imagination to a fun place ( as in wouldn’t it be amazing to be able to do that )

New author - new genre for me I’ll definitely give another read like this one a try !

At last! Last fall the publisher gave us a sneak peak of the first chapter of HOT AND BADGERED and then made us wait over the long harsh winter for the rest of the story. Diabolical! I love anything by Ms Laurenston (aka G A Aiken). Her dragons, her crows and vikings, and especially her shifters. She has a snarky and sassy humor that brings tears to my eyes as well and laughs that actually make me hurt while I try to hold it in while my family sleeps. It is so hard to put her books down once you start.
This story is the first of the Honey Badger Chronicles spin-off and it starts off with a bang and keeps going strong. There is a hit on Charlie MacKilligan and her sisters because of their louse of a father and grizzly Berg Dunn helps her out one night. Later, he comes to their rescue again and helps the badger sisters find sanctuary in the bear community. The bears weren't too happy at first, but when Charlie's family problems make her mad, she bakes. The residents love that! Berg is a triplet and I love his siblings. They are more laid back than some of the other shifters. They give the sisters their support too.
The action is non-stop with Charlie and her sisters dealing with their hit problem as well as a family wedding in Manhattan they aren't invited too. Their lives are chaotic, dangerous and hysterically funny. Characters from the previous shifter stories make an appearances throughout the book and add to fun. Love that Bo and Lach! Dee Ann and Ric!
I loved watching Charlie and Berg fall for each other. Hell, I loved everything about this book! I'm not going to say much more, but Laurenston fans are in for a treat. The only problem I can see is the wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from the publisher thru NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion

I honestly love Shelly Laurenston and her totally kick-ass female heroine who are totally alpha! Another thing she does well is humour and making you like homicidal families and women! Charlie is a honey-badger hybrid and someone whose life revolves around keeping both her sister's alive and getting them out of sticky situations their no-good father puts them in. She has a literal run-in with our bear hero Berg. For fans of her Pride series loads of familiar faces make a return and the plot as usual moves fast. This is something Shelly's fans don't want to miss.

Another of Shelly’s fantasy worlds I couldn’t help falling in love with.

Last time it was the Crows, now we get to meet a lot of shifters, that are hilarious and insane most of the time, and it was perfect!

The MacKilligan sisters are a force of nature and each of them has different set of skills that makes them unique and special. It also makes them lethal and each action scene was incredible to read.

They can’t seem to escape trouble, the family curse follows them everywhere they go, and they somehow cross paths with an amazing family of bear shifters.

Berg had no idea who she was but when he saw Charlie he knew he wanted her. What he didn’t know was that fate would cross their paths again and he would be helpless against her.

He was here to stay she was what he wanted, the only problem was keeping her there long enough to convince her that he could be everything she wanted too.

I LOVED Stevie, she was the craziest of them all, and her panic attacks where triggered by the most illogical logic I’ve ever witnessed. Her obsession with the panda was just too good to be true; I truly think she is my spirit animal!

I still feel we only got to really meet Charlie, Max and Stevie are still a mystery, and I can’t wait to uncover it!

love this author, everything she wrights is amazing and its always funny

Ever since her mother died, Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan’s biggest job has been to take care of her sisters. Easier said than done and that’s before you take into account the three sisters’ no-good father who is constantly screwing up their lives. Charlie has never been able to rely on anyone, but all that changes when she falls – literally – into Berg Dunn’s life. Berg is a grizzly with a heart of gold and it’s in his nature to protect. After their initial meeting, he can’t get the gorgeous woman with a gun out of his mind. Charlie doesn’t like accepting help, but to protect her sisters she’ll do anything and her father’s latest “scheme” has landed them in more danger than before. And though she believes her family is cursed and doesn’t want to bring that kind of disaster down on the seriously cute Berg, she’s about to learn that this determined grizzly will do anything to capture her heart.

Hot and Badgered is totally bonkers, and I mean that in the very best way. It’s bright, loud, and wholly unique with a ton of zany characters who practically jump off the page and a slow-burn romance that made me smile.

I absolutely loved Berg. He’s big, strong, and protective, but he’s also so damn gone over Charlie that he made me melt. As for Charlie, she’s equally strong and just a bit crazy (partly due to being half honey-badger, partly because…well, take a look at her family). I loved watching Charlie and Berg slowly fall in love. I sighed and smiled as Charlie learned she could lean on Berg, that he understood sibling love and loyalty (he’s a triplet), and that he and his family could take on the MacKilligan crazy and keep rolling. Charlie and Berg’s romance slowly built over the course of the story and it was lovely to watch unfold.

I loved every moment with Charlie and Berg, so for me the one downside of Hot and Badgered is that they did at times feel pushed out of their own story. Max and Stevie (Charlie’s sisters) are every bit as important to the story as Charlie. They’re wild, over the top, interesting characters and I can’t wait to read their books. Max and Stevie added a lot of humor to the story, but they were a whole lotta personality and they did sometimes seem to drown out Charlie and Berg, who were the relatively calm voices. And while Hot and Badgered is the first book in the Honey Badger Chronicles, this series is a spinoff of Shelly Laurenston’s Pride series. As I haven’t read that series, the sheer amount of Pride characters popping up pulled me out of the story a bit, especially when it felt like some cameos were shoehorned in. Perhaps if I had an emotional attachment to the characters I wouldn’t have felt that way, so if you’re a Pride fan you might feel differently than I.

The plot of Hot and Badgered is pretty much impossible to talk about because there are so many storylines and characters that there’s no real way to summarize it. Multiple storylines, at least one of which looks to be a series-long arc, action, danger, and a ton of colorful characters keep the book moving at a breakneck pace. In the hands of a lesser author, this book would have spun out of control, but Ms. Laurenston deftly juggles everything in a truly inspiring way. This was my first foray into Ms. Laurenston’s work and I will definitely be coming back for more. If you’re looking for a paranormal romance that’s unique, Hot and Badgered definitely fits the bill.

I don't think I have ever laughed so hard while reading a book, EVER!! I was expecting your typical shifter romance and was wonderfully surprised by the craziness that is the MacKilligan honey badger sisters. Their dead-beat conniving father gets them into such insane situations and then the lengths they have to go to get out of them is pure chaos. This book has a higher body count than sex scenes. The heart of the story does come down to family though. How much you love them even when you want to strangle them. The love these sisters share for each other really shines as well as the much calmer love & affection the Dunn bear triplets bring to the story. I cannot wait to see what the MacKilligan sisters get up to next.

Yes! Buying this book for the library..great characters, funny, and action packed. Love the series.

Hot and Badgered was adorable! I simply loved this story. It was funny, sweet, and zany! I loved the relationship between the sisters. Charlie, Stevie, and Max have the most amazing relationship. They all share a father, but have 3 different mothers. Max is a full honey badger, Charlie is a wolf/honey badger hybrid, and Stevie is a tiger/honey badger hybrid. They love each other more than anything, and their entire lives have been devoted to saving each other from their horrible father's scams!

Berg and his siblings, Britta and Dag, have a similar sibling relationships (except without the crazy father!). So naturally, Berg falls for Charlie right away. The plot is filled with various dangers, a wedding, crazy family, and bears. Added to the Dunn siblings and the MacKilligan sisters, you have the crazy Smith wolf pack, Dutch, the wolverine, and a neighborhood of hilarious bear shifters!

Hot and Badgered quickly became of my favorite reads of this year. How have I never read anything by Laurenston!? I cannot wait to get more of this series.
(blog review live on 5/5/18)