Cover Image: In a Badger Way

In a Badger Way

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Member Reviews

In HOT AND BADGERED we were introduced to the MacKilligan sisters – same deadbeat, waste of space father (a honey badger shifter), but different mothers (all different shifter types). The trilogy is part of a larger universe (Laurenston’s Pride World), but honestly I’ve found that you can read these without having read those books. Granted some of it may not be as…amusing shall we say, and politics may go over your head, but largely you can read about the MacKilligan girls without prior knowledge since they didn’t factor into those books.

The trilogy has an overarching plot line or three, so while the main romance focus is on one sister per book (H&B was Charlie, BADGER WAY is Stevie) everyone makes continual appearances as they try to track down the assholes experimenting on hybrids, attacking the girls to get back at their deadbeat father, and attempting to kidnap one, two or all three of them at any given time.

Stevie was my favorite in H&B, with her panic clinging to Shen the panda shifter, but I was pleased to see that all three girls had forward motion in their character arcs. There’s a (very unhealthy, but functional) symbiotic relationship between them that gets some much needed looking at and dissection.

Meanwhile…ok look. I get it. Stevie basically bulldozes Shen into a relationship (well Stevie, Charlie, Max, Shen’s sisters, Kyle…), but that’s kind of the point. Shen overthought everything about what it would mean for them to be together while Stevie cut through that bullshit and was like “I like him, he understands me and I feel safe – what more do I need?” When even the most egotistical character in the whole book is certain they should just hook up (yes I’m looking at you Kyle) its probably a good idea.

What’s been great about these Badger books is that we’re seeing some of the other couples – like Blayne and Bo from BEAST BEHAVING BADLY – in a different light. When a couple is the star of their own romance, even in the interconnected world of the Pride Series & Honey Badger trilogy – you tend to sympathize with them and side with them. Poor Bo is kind of abused here by Stevie as she swiftly tears up his wife Blayne then crushes Bo’s spirits about hockey. In their book I would have seen Stevie as the bad guy, but here BLAYNE SHOULD HAVE KNOWN BETTER. Who goes around hugging random people???

What’s also wonderful is that because this is focused on Stevie (mainly) the book delves a little more into her self-care/mental well being that she tries so hard to control. Its when she goes off routine that Max starts to worry – not in the same way that Charlie does constantly, but in that “I know my sister, I know she knows how to take care of herself, and this is not what she does” way that is a) healthier all around and b) illustrates how well Max knows her sisters (despite her cavalier attitude at times).

A small spoiler – Stevie has to find a new therapist and the therapist immediately is like “and your sisters can go to my colleagues!” and I want to see more of what the therapist said to Charlie to make her realize some of her codependency anxiety issues and what the therapist made of Max.

I know these books aren’t for everyone – there’s a certain glorification of violence and killing that is a through line of all of Laurenston (and her alter-ego’s GA Aiken’s) books that don’t appeal to everyone. I find these to be so much fun, sexy and arguably some of the healthiest expressions of how couples should be in any romances I’ve read.

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Shelly Laurenston has been a go to author since I started reading her Pride and Magnus Pack series; so when the Honey Badger Chronicles was merely a mention, I was excitedly anxious for this new series to begin. I haven’t been disappointed.

In a Badger Way continues where book one left off, and provides readers with an all-consuming, exciting and laugh out loud extravaganza. The world building is fabulous and the characters are engaging and charming too. But what I enjoy most about Ms Laurenston’s work, is her ability to draw the reader into her world and provide a experience that leaves you wanting more and more.

Basically, there aren’t many authors who can make you quake in your boots, fear for your life, want to scream at the top of your lungs, and nearly wet yourself laughing all in the same story. I hope others readers love this story as much as I did…..it’s simply wonderful!

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HoneyBadger sisters are back! Stevie is recruited to find the scientist who is targeting hybrids while she is helping her fellow prodigy Kyle and his bodyguard Panda Shen. ARC from NetGalley.

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This is the second book in the Honey Badger Chronicles and while it can be read as a stand alone, it is best read in order for the most enjoyment.

This novel follows Shen Li and Stevie Stasiuk-MacKilligan. Shen works for a security company and is guarding a friend of Stevie's that is living with her so he has practically been living with her for a few weeks (maybe longer, I'm not sure). He's a panda shifter so he's pretty laid back and doesn't let much bother him. Now Stevie is an interesting character and quite the opposite of Shen. She has quite a few problems that she takes medication for and if startled, she can be very dangerous. But she knows these things about herself so she takes great pains to keep her stress down and to avoid situation that may make her snap and start to destroy things.

Throughout this book there is a lot of action, shifter fights, karaoke, hybrids and evil doctors trying to take hybrids out. (The last disappointed me a little since so much of Laurenston's last series was about hybrids. I don't mind the storyline, I just thought that she closed that arc and here it seemed like maybe she was going to start it up again. I'm not sure so we'll see in later books.)

There is a continuing story arc that has to do with Stevie's dad and her extended family. It's pretty entertaining to watch her family get together and how they interact. Disfunctional is a great word to discribe it but as with pretty much all Laurenston's books, that works for them. I love the humor and twists and turns the story takes. The characters are unique and you never have to wonder who's who because everyone is so different they all stand on their own.

I also loved how there were so many characters from previous series in this book. Even going back to her first series, Mangus Pack, I was happily surprised by the cameos and older characters that were brought into this new story arc.


I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If we are following the sisters we just have one left so it will be fun to follow her. She is a bit of a loose cannon and likes to kill things so her book should be very entertaining. Overall I had a great time reading this and I can't wait to read more!

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In a Badger Way was a great addition to the series and all the shifter books. Stevie and Shen were so much fun and I couldn't believe how different Stevie's shifted side is, she's so much fun. Max, Charlie, and Stevie all have their different quirks but make it work and are three people you do not want to mess with which we see in this book. All I've got to say is Stevie's ex's brother should never have messed with Stevie!!! I cannot wait for this one to be released, every fan of Shelly's is going to love this one. I know I certainly did.

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Love, love, love Shelley Laurenston and the Badger books! This was a rollicking fun read - as her books usually are. Only problem is she takes too long to get another story out and now I have to wait!

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All I say is wow! That's how I always feel after I finish reading one of Laurenston's books. I think it has to do with how funny and fast paced they are. You end up feeling like you started it and then it's over.

I'll let you in on a little secret, I find with her books when I get to the end I'll read a page and put it down and then pick it up later and do the same thing. I think it's because I don't want it to end.

Because in my heart I know I have a whole year before I can read another book in the series. The wait is fine until about a month before the book comes out, then I find myself not being able to get into anything.

Silly, I know!

What can I say, I love her books that much. If you haven't yet read her...why!!! Okay, I'm pulling back a little. What I'm trying to say is that you really should give her a try. Her books are always funny, but also touching too. You really need to read them.

In a Badger Way is the second book in the Honey Badger Chronicles, but it also touches on her Pride series. Many of the characters from that one show up in this series which makes the series so much more richer. I love visiting with the other characters.

I totally love Shen. He's so sweet and just plain nice. Something that not many of the shifters really are. Nothing much rattles him. Which is a plus for the group of people he hangs with. Also when you love a crazy woman (Stevie) you need to be pretty chill.

You will love the relationship between Stevie and Shen. I love how she tells him all the time how they should be together and how their relationship so go. Poor Shen just follows along. The good thing for him is that Stevie is never wrong.

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5 Hearts, RECOMMENDED READ!
SJ, Romance Junkies

In Shelly Laurenston's hilarious new addition to her Honey Badger Chronicles series, IN A BADGER WAY, we meet Stevie MacKilligan. Stevie is the youngest of the honey badger sisters we first met in HOT AND BADGERED. She's a brilliant scientist with a lot of issues. Not the least is her hybrid shapeshifter nature making her not so stable.

**Note, new readers should start with HOT AND BADGERED, or to get the most enjoyment out of the book, start way back with classic Laurenston in THE BEAST IN HIM, which introduces the reader to the Jean-Louis Parker family of Jackals.)

Stevie doesn't like bears, which is a problem because her oldest sister, Charlie, mated one. Charlie's great at keeping Stevie under control and on her meds, unlike their zany, trouble-making middle sister, Max, who really takes everything up a notch. The antics among the three sisters had me laughing throughout the book. The arguing and banter was over-the-top and laugh-out-loud funny. 

And then there's the hero, Shen, a giant panda shifter. He's so zen, and a complete contrast to Stevie. Their relationship is a slow-build, and it's fabulous! Shen takes everything in stride, from "babysitting" (bodyguard duty) some jackal prodigies to taking care of Stevie when she decides to go undercover to help figure out who's hurting hybrids.

The action is fast, the plot all over the place and yet totally understandable and in keeping with these characters and their histories, and the romance that develops between Shen and Stevie falls right into place with perfect timing.

Filled with danger, romance, and hilarity, IN A BADGER WAY is worth a second read! Then a third, and a fourth... Laurenston shines in this sequel of her bestselling badger series, and loyal readers will get a kick out of seeing so many beloved characters back in this book. My only complaint is I finished too soon and can't wait to see what romantic anvil lands on Max's hard head. Bring on the badgers! This is one romance not to be missed!

Recommended Read

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A little lackluster in the romance, but still fun - the MacKilligan girls' relationships develop further, gaining traction as at least Charlie and Stevie address their issues as well as being accepted into their extended family. I also enjoyed seeing more dimensions to the Louise-Parker family of misfit prodigies. Peeks at/references to old familiar faces within the shifter 'verse, even the more far-flung edges ("do we even have bird shifters? I've heard rumors of crows."), add further humor and call-backs for longtime readers, while new gags and dynamics keep the plot rolling briskly along. The series villains pop up just enough to keep everyone on edge (& whet your appetite for the third book), but the detour to face another hybrid-based threat feels relevant enough to the heroine to not feel too retread... though a little deus ex (she needs a [thing]? Voila, one blood-spattered [thing]).

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It's 4:21am and I have just spent that last two nights staying up wayyyy past my bedtime to finish In a Badger Way because I just couldn't put it down (or put my device down in this case.)

I have read every single one of Shelly Laurenston's books (some more than once) and have loved all of them but this is my new favorite.!! I feel like I've been waiting forever for this book to come out and finally got the full length book from Netgalley.

The MacKilligan sisters are back with book two of the "Badger" shifter series and we get to play with the brilliant (but still terrified of bears) Stevie, the youngest/baby sister and her adorable giant panda, Shen (who finally gets his own book!)

The story begins with a prologue that gives you some insight as to why Stevie is so high strung and on edge all the time but then the action begins in present time and doesn't stop until the last page of the epilogue.

A cast of characters from Laurenston's previous breed series comes along for the ride and what a ride it is. Action packed and just so funny. I had to stop reading on public transit because I was laughing out lout and people were giving me side glances like I was crazy.

I can't recommend this book enough but for your own enjoyment read Charlies story first (Hot and Badgered) and if you really want to get the full monty, read all of Laurenston's books, so you can enjoy all the (secondary) characters.

Stevie and Shen won't disappoint... I'm just sad I read it so quickly but I have Max's story to look forward to ... um, NOW is it written... now?

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Shelly Laurenston is one of my favourite author's. Super entertaining, really well developed characters, and world building. Her latest, "In a Badger Way" brings back a lot of characters from previous books, and it was fun to see where they are now. I would say that if you haven't read her previous titles you would probably be a bit lost.

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I loved Stevie the girl just has a calm about everything, so nonchalant at times, “Irene Conridge does hate me,” Stevie confirmed. “She probably is trying to kill me.” Shen doesn't understand his woman's mating habits, "Stevie walked over to Shen, walked around him, and headed toward the stairs that led to the bedrooms. Shen was silent for a few seconds until he asked, “Woman . . . did you just rub up against my back?" Stevie really doesn't appreciate her man's sense of humor, "he pointed toward the TV. “Storage Wars is on right now.” Stevie’s eyes opened wide and her lips parted. “I’m kidding, I’m kidding,” Shen said quickly, yanking her back onto his lap before she could get up and storm away." I liked this book, I loved all the humor it had.

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Four and a half
Having read the snippet that was previously made available I'm very happy to have finally received the full length version of this book. I have to start this review by saying the joy of reading about these slightly mad honey bangers cannot be overstated. I absolutely loved the first book when Charlie the eldest sister ended up living in a neighbourhood full of bears . Now the author is allowing Max and Stevie to come forward and she's starting with little, quirky, high functioning Stevie and Shen the adorable panda is about to have his hands full !
Stevie has issues and no mistake but the ever calm Shen whilst being more than a little perplexed by her antics just keeps falling down the rabbit hole that these three crazy sisters live in .
This set the tone for all the mayhem to follow and if you want laugh out loud moments coupled with shocks galore then this book definitely delivers. However I will state that if it's a really strong romance led plot that you enjoy then you might be a tad disappointed because whilst this couple do become heavily invested in each other the majority of this story is really about the absolutely bonkers world that these shifters live in . It's fast, crazy and addictive with something peculiar always around the corner and I'm left waiting for Max because surely her story will be a humdinger. So if slithering snacks, death or anal glands terrify you then you have been warned !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

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This book is so good. Was not expecting Stevies story before Maxs but what a treat. Well done Shelly another winner.

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As always, it took me a little to get into a new Shelly Laurenston book. The rather large amount of cast members always overwhelms me a bit until I'm comfortably settled into the Pride world and remembering all my favorite couples, and their quintessential quirkinesses.  Also, just to put it out there - the author writes the most diverse cast you could imagine. Furthermore, I would love for an artist to put them all on paper. I'm a huge fan of bookish fanart and seeing these characters brought to paper would be amazing.

Of course as soon as I got over the first 20% hump I was hooked, and didn't want to put the book down again.

For one thing the author has a very engaging way of pulling the reader into her shifter world. Everything from OTT characters, outrages situations, hilarious and laugh out loud moments - it all made this book an excellent and entertaining read.

Moreover nothing in this book can be described as predictable.

The women in these Honey Badger Chronicles are fearless, bold and spunky.  The situations they get into are especially entertaining. In fact they are beyond anything you could imagine - because nothing has ever been written quite like this series. It's quite the adventure and pretty addicting.

So, if you are in the market for something outrageously funny, different and unique - you better grab the first book, The Mane Event and prepare to be dazzled. I've had the pleasure of enjoying this author's work for years now, and although it seems her books become more bold and daring with each release - I can't imagine a life without her stories.

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