I've gotta say I was amazed to get this book so early from NetGalley, but then realising it was only the first chapter explained a lot.

While I won't deny my disappointment that this wasn't an entire book, what I did read only cemented my love of Ms Laurenston's work and her ability to write fabulous shifter stories. I'll be looking forward to reading the completed book and have absolutely no doubt it will be amazing!

***UPDATE***

Finally! The complete story, and as is to be expected, another laugh out load, action-packed, fabulous read by Ms Laurenston. As an avid fan, I actually forgot how much I loved these stories that were some of my first PNR readers many years ago.

Thank you Ms Laurenston for bringing back the fun and enjoyment of PNR romance!

WOW just Wow. The characters has Shelly Laurenston signature of being badass, smart, loyal, and big characters that makes them stand out since they are making really loud noise. This book has accomplished to set up for whole new set of characters. I love that the shifter world is growing. I absolutely love this new edition and can't wait to read more. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS SERIES.

Once again Shelly Laurenston delivers!!!!
I have been in LOVE with the Honey Badgers since Laurenston introduced Liv. This new series is a great addition the shifter world she has created.
Charlie and her sisters are outcasts but with the cute, noninvasive Berg around slowly but surely their lives change. So many characters get involved in this story with plenty of old favorites showing up. I loved it and the madcap caper just pulled me in and now I'm tempted to read it again! These characters are extreme, they are truly larger than life but I've a feeling we haven't seen the last of them and I for one can't wait for more.

I love SL books. I’ve read all her books. Her Pride series is a favorite so I was excited to see a spin off series with Honey Badgers. They are crazy, snarky and laugh out loud as the rest of the shifters. This first release is with three MacKilligan sisters and their crazy family drama. The oldest sister, Charlie and bear shifter Berg are about h/h. They are great along with all the characters. There’s so many to keep track of at times. Characters from the Pride Series make cameos which is great.
I loved it. The writing is so good you don’t skim through it, you don’t want to miss anything. I can’t wait for the next release. SL does not write fast enough for me.

ARC provided by Netgalley

I'd give this book 2.5 stars. I normally love Shelly Laurenston's books, but this one just didn't do it for me. I felt like the first couple of chapters were non-stop action, and it took way too long to get to the romance. Also, did we need perspectives from multiple characters in the Pride series? It's great to catch up with characters from previous books, but maybe having some novellas leading up to this book would have made more sense.

Although the multiple perspective annoyed me, I enjoyed the characters as a whole. The three honey badger sisters were hilarious and kick-ass, and I love how they constantly had each other's backs despite their constant fighting. I am definitely interested in reading the other sisters' stories to see how they address the conflict to come. If you love lots of action, family drama, and crazy antics this is the book for you

4.5

The last thing bear shifter Berg Dunn expects when he starts bodyguard duty for a jackal shifter piano prodigy is a naked woman to fall from the sky and land on his hotel balcony early one morning. He promptly thwarts the advances of the men chasing after her, gives her a T-shirt and a gun, and sends her one her way. Looking back, it’s probably the most normal thing that happens after Charlie MacKilligan literally falls into his life.

Charlie MacKilligan and her sisters, Max and Stevie, are used to running from something. With a father who definitely fits into the “worst father ever” category, one of his get-rich-quick schemes is always causing trouble for the family. But they are honey badgers (at least half honey badger), and if nothing else, honey badgers are no holds barred survivors. Now, they’ll just have to figure out who is chasing after them, and how exactly their good-for-nothing father is involved.

Hot and Badgered was such a delight to read. The funnies just jumped off the pages left and right. I don’t think I went more than two pages without cracking a smile or outright laughing while I was reading. The MacKilligan family is certainly a colorful group of miscreants to say the least with Charlie, Max, and Stevie considered the black sheep of the family.

In fact, Charlie, Max, and Stevie heavily echo the characters of Kera, Erin, and Jace respectively from Laurenston’s Call of Crows series. There’s a frenetic energy around their interactions with one another. They easily get on each other’s nerves, yet it’s clearly the special love and bond between sisters because as we learn early and often in this book, you don’t want to mess with the sisters.

Family is a big part of Hot and Badgered as we see the MacKilligans forming their own unit when their extended family ostracizes them for the crimes of their father. Everything is fast-paced and frantic. On the other side we have Berg and his sister and brother who have a loving extended family and have a more laid-back approach to life. I really like how Shelly Laurenston evokes the true personalities and mannerisms of the animals (badgers, bears, etc.) into the shifters. When the bears offer Charlie and her sisters their protection, of sorts, the women start to see that they can fit somewhere, they don’t have to be loners.

Berg’s laid-back bear attitude, yet the dedicated protectiveness, makes his and Charlie’s romance really sweet. A slightly different feel than the normal alpha-male style romance we usually see in shifter centered stories.

Probably my favorite thing about the book was how underestimated the sister were by pretty much everyone. I delightfully relished, time and again, how they would turn this underestimation into downright fear as people started to realize that you don’t mess with the MacKilligans. If there was one thing that brought the story down for me, it’s the fact that there appear to be so many factions gunning for the sisters. So many people weave in, out, and around there were times it was difficult to remember who went where and with what.

By the end, however, most everything is clear. What is also clear is that Hot and Badgered is merely the setup for what’s to come next. I honestly can’t wait for the next book. This fun, fast, read was exactly what I needed right now. If you’re looking for a lighter and funnier read to chase away the last gloom of winter into early spring, look no further.

I've been a fan of Shelly Laurenston's work for years now. But when I found out that she decided to end her popular Pride Series I was crushed. After nine books of fun, over the top characters, hilarious laugh out loud moments - I felt bereft and if I'm honest I was in denial. So, when I found out she was releasing a new series, I was all over it. Color me surprised and absolutely in love, when I realized that her new book Hot and Badgered  was part of my beloved Pride world.

Reading this book made me HAPPY!!!! 

I have to admit that after a four year break, being reintroduced to my favorite cast had my head spinning, but only in a good way. This book was exactly what I needed. The author's signature wit, the story's diverse and unique cast and a plot that reminded me why I fell in love with her books in the first place - made this book a reading experience like no other.

Shelly Laurenston has the unique talent of writing shifters that embody everything a shifter should be. Her characters are close to their animals, and have distinct animal characteristics. I have never read shifters with such authentic animal behavior before. Not only do they feel like real shifters, they act that way too. On top of that, the author's heroines are tough, bad ass, kick ass and hilarious to boot. They go nose to nose with anyone that threatens their family and friends. Feisty, sassy and often times as fearless as any alpha male. And I love them all. 

There is really only one author that writes these kind of characters and that's Shelly Laurenston.

I'm not going into detail about the storyline. If you ever read one of the Pride books, you know what you can look forward to. This book is an accumulation of beloved characters, as well as an introduction to three women that hopefully will feature prominently in her next books. Hot and Badgered is also not for the fainthearted. The story starts with a BANG, and it pretty much continues that way. I felt like I was on an exhilarating roller coaster ride I didn't' want to end. 

Be prepared to be wowed, and swept away by an engrossing novel that will only make you want MORE.

Welcome back Shelly Laurenston - I missed you!!!!


Review will be posted on March 22nd 2018

Loved this book. I had other books to read, but as soon as I got this one everything else went by the sideline so I could read this & it does not disappoint. Funny and quirky, I was unable to put it down. Ms Laurenston is a must read for me.

I really enjoyed this latest installment in Shelly Laurenston's shifter series, especially another book of Honey Badger mayhem.

Hot and Badgered by Shelly Laurenston is the 1st book in her new The Honey Badgers series. I was happy to see that Laurenston was starting a new series, as I know whatever I read by her I will have fun and laugh my way through a great story. Once again, Shelly Laurenston gives us a wild crazy hysterical story, with three fantastic heroines.

Charlie MacKilligan, our main hero in this book, is the oldest sister of the crazy MacKilligans, who are honey badgers. Charlie is the one who keeps the other two girls in line, and believe me when I say that is some job. Lol The three sisters are hybrids, not full honey badgers, and they have the same father, but different mothers. All the MacKilligans, including the three sisters, hate the father who lies and steals from everyone, which gives them one common bond, they want him dead and out of their lives. Charlie and her sisters, Max and Stevie are usually on the run, with villains trying to kidnap the child prodigy Stevie or using the girls to get the father. Right from the start, there is an epic battle that allows us to see how powerful and good all three are, and they complement each other. They manage to fight and kill their enemies, but run to a safe house to hide.
Berg Dunn, our hero, is a bear, and he meets a naked Charlie, when she comes out of a shower. Seems Berg was on assignment to protect a famous musician, and before he could learn who she is, Charlie is gone. He will come upon her again a bit later, and will offer to help them hide in his bear pack territory. Berg is a triplet, and I loved his sister Britta, who is leader of their pack. Berg knows he is falling hard for Charlie, but she isn’t interested in any long term relationship, as she feels it is too dangerous to be associated with the MacKilligan sisters; though she is very attracted to the cute Berg.

What follows is an exciting adventure to find out who is threatening the sisters, as well as stepping in to help some of their cousins. There are some villains, and the story is very good. But what makes this so good is Shelly Laurenston’s amazing ability to have us loving her characters; laughing all the way though the wild craziness that happens constantly, and create a good storyline.

I loved loved all three of the MacKilligan sisters, who were all hilarious. Charlie was the strongest and most respected by her Mackilligan relatives, as she has an uncanny ability to take control of any situation, as well as calm things down. Max was a fearless amazing and yes crazy middle sister. Everyone fears her, since she is lethal, as she smiles while she happily kills those who are threats to her sisters. Lastly, Stevie is the younger sister, who is a genius and a prodigy, whom those nasty villains want. Stevie with all her smarts, has anxiety and always flips out, leaving us in hysterics at her antics. LOL I never had so much fun spending time with all three of these girls.

Laurenston never lets up, as we just gobble up all the fun, with our own smiles throughout. The romance between Berg and Charlie was slow built, and very nicely done. I love how Charlie’s sisters try to push her toward Berg, knowing she too is falling for him. I loved the relationship between the girls and Berg, Britta and Dam. Trust me…this was so much fun.

Hot and Badgered was a fun, hilarious story, with great characters, sweet romance, action, suspense and so much laughter. I cannot wait for the next book. If you have not read Shelly Laurenston, you are missing an author that always gives us fantastic stories. When it comes to fun, crazy, hysterical and enjoyable stories, no one does it better then Shelly Laurenston.

Fabulous!! I loved it Berg and Charlie are amazing along with the banter and wonderfully written storyline I was hooked. Readers of the Magnus Pack & the Pride series will love this book.

This is not your average shifter book and let me tell you it's nice for a change. Hot and Badgered is about 3 honey badger sisters that are hybrids. They take care of themselves and well are always dealing with some thing. Berg is a Bear Shifter triplet and he's used to crazy. Charlie and her sisters however bring a whole new level but that doesn't change how he feels about her.

Let's be honest I feel the romance was an after thought to the chaos that occurs in this book. You have many POVs going on and so many different things happening at once that you feel like some of the characters in the book that are left scratching their head. That being said it's good. It's interesting and it's different and I can't wait for more.

This is book 1 in the offshoot series from The Pride, The Honey Badgers. You don't have to read the other series before you read this one although you do see some of the characters from that series here. And those books are great as well. This one is about Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan and Berg Dunn. Charlie is half wolf and half honey badger shifter while Berg is a grizzly bear shifter. Charlie and Berg meet when she lands naked on his hotel balcony with armed men chasing after her. After helping her escape neither expect to see each other again. Until they meet again while she is looking for someplace safe to lay low and figure out what her father did to cause people to chase her and her sisters this time.

I knew after reading the first chapter a few months ago that this one started off good. I just didn't realize how much I would love it. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down! There were so many moments where I was reading and just laughing at things that these characters said or did! And the side characters were the same! Both Charlie and Berg are written perfectly and I loved them together! I really hope that all the siblings get their own stories! I also loved seeing snippets into the lives of previous book characters and where their lives have taken them now. Especially Dee-Ann and Ric!! You will laugh pretty hard when you are reading that part! I loved this book! Can't wait for the next one!

A return to the crazy shapeshifting world of Shelly Laurenston is always a welcome visit. In this quirky, funny, wild paranormal romance, the honey badgers are back! Laurenston is known for her humor, and it's there in abundance in HOT AND BADGERED. There's a glimpse of characters from older books, and it might be a little overwhelming for new readers to catch up, but the humor and action will keep the pages turning.

Charlie Taylor-MacKilligan is a hybrid, part honey badger, part wolf. She and her two half sisters, all related through their worthless father, are working hard not to get killed. Her younger sister is an anxiety-ridden genius who has dangerous meltdowns. Her middle sister is verging on sociopathic, and a hilarious addition to this kooky cast.

Charlie is the most normal and the most responsible, and the only one who can handle her father. When she and her sisters learn he's dead, she's ready to celebrate. But maybe that's not the actual truth, because the people after them seem to want something her father promised...

Berg, a sweet grizzly, and Berg's family and friends take it upon themselves to help Charlie and her kin, with hilarious results. Factions of shifters come together to deal with a new threat, and Charlie comes to some of her own realizations about what she wants...and how to handle a grizzly who clearly wants to handle her.

A funny, charming romp of a romance as only Laurenston can deliver. The relationship between Charlie and Berg builds, but it's the honey badgers who steal the show in this stellar romance from Shelly Laurenston. Pick up HOT AND BADGERED. It's a must-read.

4.5 Hearts
SJ, Romance Junkies

A wickedly funny, violently screwball comedy of a paranormal romance, this may be my favorite read of 2018. For once, I tried to read slowly so to savor the non-stop crude and crazy hijinks of Charlie and her MacKilligan sisters.

To be fair, Charlie's romance with Berg was fairly low-key and drama-free. The real stars are Charlie, her homicidal sister Max (my favorite), and their crazy genius baby sister, Stevie. I don't have any sisters but would love to have ones like the MacKilligans, always ready to do serious bodily harm to anyone who tries to hurt me.

We're MacKilligans. The only rule for us is to leave no witnesses.

The actual romance here is Berg's complete understanding that Charlie has to be her family's fixer and it is the role she was born to play.

Berg had to be honest. He hadn't realized how strong Charlie was. And, to be completely forthright, he found it kind of a turn-on.

If you are a Shelly Laurenston, you are going to love the ongoing reunion with past favorites: Bo Novikov and Blayne. Livy Kowalski and Vic Barinov. Irene and Niles Van Holtz. Dee-Ann and Cella Malone. Brendon Shaw. Toni-Jean Parker and her outrageous siblings. My absolute fave, Lock MacRyrie (so sad not see Gwen). Shelly Laurenston has created an insane universe where family can make you crazy, love is not in question, and violence is always the answer; and I'm here for all of it.

For once, do you guys realize, we're not the weirdest people in the group? I mean, did you see there was a guy with a lion's mane doing the cha-cha at our party with his wolf girlfriend? And we were playing tech music at the time.

Now I'm counting the days for Max's book - please give her one!

Unlike her sisters, anxiety and reason did not rule Max MacKillgan. Insanity did.

I love this series! Shelly Laurenston has a way with snark! I laughed my way through this very entertaining book as I have through the others in this series. Can't wait for more!

A few months ago, this book popped up on Netgalley and every single blogger I know flipped out. We all ran off to grab it...and we were so sad that it was just a one chapter preview. So last week when I heard this was up, I started reading just to make sure it was the full book and not just chapter one. OMG you guys. OMG.

I couldn't stop reading. 

This book is awesome, hilarious, fun, and entertaining. I usually like all of her books, but I loved this book. LOVED. I can't get over how much fun I had reading this book. Now if you're new to this author, you can totally read any of her books out of order, however you'll have more fun with them if you read them in order. But, if you'll notice, this is book one of the Honey Badger series. You can begin here :) You'll see some fun cameos of other characters and I don't think it will be confusing for you. It's all easy to follow.

So, quick recap: Once upon a time there were three little honey badgers who...weren't. They all had the same father, a honey badger, and usually honey badger genes will take over any other shifter, so if he mates with a tiger, the child will be a honey badger. If he mates with a wolf, the child would be a honey badger, you get the idea. However, these three little girls were only part honey badger. None of their genetics followed the rules of the universe, and none of the girls followed the rules of, well anyone. They had their own rules they followed. 

And one of those sisters was a genius. Their terrible father sold her once to some very bad people. Luckily her sisters saved her, but once again they are caught up in one of his schemes and yet they're the ones being shot at. By military grade helicopters. When they hear the news that their father is dead and they need to identify the body, they're jumping for joy and take the next flight to America.

But their troubles follow them from Europe. Winding up living with some bear shifters, the sisters realize that they aren't in this alone. The hero is wonderful, and patient, and kind, and you'll love him instantly. I don't think I stopped smiling from the moment I started chapter one until the end. This book was just what I needed in an otherwise stressful week. 

Shelly Laurenston at her best, this is my favorite of her books. If her longer series are too daunting to try, go for this and see what you think. You'll wind up bingeing the whole Pride series afterwards and you won't regret it.

***ARC courtesy of Kensington via netgalley

Laugh out load funny !! Couldn't put it down once I started it, the character interaction was stellar and it was great to see old friends pop in to the story here a and there. Buy it!!!!!

Hot and Badgered by Shelly LaurenstonI only got two chapters of this book as an ARC from NetGalley so I can't really review the whole book. There wasn't a great glimpse of either Charlotte (Charlie,a badger shifter) or Berg (grizzly shifter) so I'm not sure how the rest of the book is going to go. We know that Charlie has at least two sisters, one of which needs watching every moment of the day. Oh, and the book opens with men breaking into Charlotte's hotel room just as she gets a warning call. She drops down to the room below which just so happens to be the one where Cooper (famous pianist, jackal shifter) who we met in the last book is being guarded by Berg.
I'm a little trepidatious about how this book is going to go but I trust Laurenston so I'll definitely read this book as soon as I can get my hands on it.
I did eventually get the full ARC and it was okay but there was a lot of setup for the rest of the series. I wished we had gotten to see more of Berg. It's interesting that Laurenston keeps introducing bear triplets (had been done in Bear meets Girl). Each of the characters seems to be full hilt stereotypes which is okay but I wish we had gotten a bit more nuance.

Three stars
This book comes out March 27
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Charlie MacKilligan and her two sisters are constantly on the run from others trying to kill them due to their father. One of those runs drops a naked Charlie on the hotel balcony of bear shifter Berg Dunn, who comes to her rescue when he gives her one of his guns.

Berg once again comes in contact with Charlie and her sisters and offers them a safe place to stay, which happens to be a bear neighborhood.

Much humor ensues with the return of DeeAnn Smith, the VanHolts, and Bo the polar bear. Charlie's sisters Max and Stevie are a riot. A fun read.