ARC Review: Born to Be Badger by Shelly Laurenston

Emily “Tock” Meyerson-Jackson is on a mission to rid the world of shifters trafficking humans for hunting and cash. And now that she’s narrowed down her suspects to a brutal coalition of male lions, nothing will get between this honey badger and her prey—not even a dog-loving Tiger with absolutely no time management skills. Doesn’t matter that Shay Malone is ferociously adorable. With a war brewing between cat families, Tock doesn’t have time to lounge around with a football-playing tiger shifter. But when she realizes the coalition is also responsible for the death of Shay’s father, she’s forced to partner up with the flirtatious feline. . . .

Revenge is most definitely on the menu for Shay and his tiger shifter brothers. But when it comes to Shay’s alluring partner in crime-solving, so is seduction. Tock might be a bad-ass of a honey badger, but she’s awfully cute when she’s flashing her fangs, which she’s pretty much doing all the time these days. Good thing revenge is a dish best served hot. Because when it comes to Tock, Shay knows just how to turn up the heat. . . .

I was so excited to read Born to Be Badger but at the same time a little part of me was worried. It has been two years since the last one in the series and my anticipation was so story, I was worried that the book couldn't stand up to that. I felt I was already doing the book a disserves by how much I needed this story. 

I'll admit to you all I struggled with the first few chapters. I had trouble getting into Tocks voice. I have no clue why. I just so far removed from the series. Which is weird since I just read the whole series again right before this one. I ended up putting it down for the rest of the day and went back the next morning. 

I'm so glad I did!

In the morning I was able to pick it up and get into it the way the book deserved. I fell into the story, and it was like being with old friends. Call me happy! I will say that in the prior books you get to understand Tock a bit, but nothing like in her own book. I was like, oh, more than once. I liked her before but really liked her in this one. She's got a sweetheart underneath of that badger-ness. The way she treated Shay's daughter is so sweet and kind. So not like a badger at all. 

Let's talk Shay. He is a great daughter. He's so great with his daughter and you can tell how comfortable and loved she is. I also love how much Keane loves her. He is one closed off dud with tons of contradictions. Can't wait for his story. 

This is an enjoyable story with many good funny moments. One of my favorites is with Max. I don't want to ruin it for anyone, so I won't say more but when you get to it, you'll find yourself laughing. This book moves on the boy's dad's storyline a much more than the prior book did and sets up the ending of that story perfectly. It should be a grand show by the badgers. 

It might have started off slow for me, but it didn't end that way. I will next month read it again just so I can see if it was the book or me with the beginning. Those of us who love the badgers are in for a treat. 

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