An Amazon Best of the Year Selection “When it comes to combining offbeat humor and mayhem, it is tough to beat Laurenston.” —RT Book Reviews She’s the woman he’s been hired to kidnap. But ZeZé Vargas has other ideas . . . like getting them both out of this nightmare alive. Just one problem. She’s crazy. Certifiably. Because while he’s plotting their escape, the petite Asian beauty is plotting … plotting their escape, the petite Asian beauty is plotting something much more deadly . . .
Max “Kill It Again” MacKilligan has no idea what one of her own is doing with all these criminal humans until she realizes that Zé has no idea who or what he is. Or exactly how much power he truly has.
But Max is more than happy to bring this handsome jaguar shifter into her world and show him everything he’s been missing out on. A move that might be the dumbest thing she’s ever done once she realizes how far her enemies will go to wipe her out. Too bad for them Zé is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her alive . . . and honey badgers are just so damn hard to kill!
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Badger to the Bone is the third book in the Honey Badger series and is the middle sister Max’s story. Max is the wild one of the MacKilligan sisters, and also the one you would want to have your back if you should find your in the middle of a fight with a bunch of mercenaries. Which is how she meets ZeZe Vargas who actually believes he’s going to be Max’s knight in shinning armor but quickly realizes that not only does Max not need saving , but he and the bad guys are the one’s who actually need saving from Max. And that’s when the fun really begins.
If you’ve been following along with the Honey Badger Series then you know that wherever a MacKilligan goes, a whole lot of trouble along with a whole lot of laughs usually follows, and in Badger to the Bone there was a whole lot of both. Max and Ze’s story was hilariously entertaining with loads of action and drama. I’ll admit, that if you’re looking for a romance, even though there are bits and pieces, it’s not full of a passionate and a I just can’t see my life without you kind of a connection between these two, but I still loved Max and Ze just the same. Shelly Laurenston has always been must read author for me, and Badger to the Bone definitely helps in continuing my addiction to her stories.
***4 Stars***
I totally NEEDED this.
I needed an insane, OTT, WTEF. make me laugh/snort out loud read to simply take me away from the reality we are living in and put in another one and this book did that for me.
Now, as I’ve said before, I don’t really read these books for the romance, I read them for the crazy, unique characters that populate them and this one is chock full of them. Max and Ze, being the MC’s as far as the budding romance is concerned, were a lot of fun. Max is beyond…well, simply beyond, but what I loved about her is that regardless of everything, her sisters are her priority ~ even when it comes to pissing them off. Ze was a bit unexpected but he fit right in with everyone, even when he didn’t realize it. Their journey was simply crazy and fun and considering their differences, they made a great couple.
Then there Charlie, Berg, Stevie, Shen, Dutch and everyone else ~ even the baddies ~ gave me everything I needed. I loved seeing how their relationships have grown, or not depending on who we’re talking about. But they all kept me on my toes along with a huge grin on my face the entire time.
I would recommend you do not read this as a stand-alone and start from the beginning. Everything is tied together, and a few characters from the Pride series show up (they are set in the same world). Also, expect the unexpected and if you have any issues with violence and blood, then you should tread carefully.
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
Rated 4.5 Stars
Badger To The Bone is hilarious. I loved it. I think it might be my fave book of the series and I loved the first two books. I’ve been waiting for Max’s book and it totally didn’t disappoint. It was funny, quirky and violent. It was everything I’d hoped for and so much more. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I love this series and highly recommend it.
Copy provided by publisher through Net Galley
I FREAKING LUUURRVVVEEEDD THIS BOOK! There are not enough words to express how much I love the MacKilligan sisters. Max MacKilligan is no exception and Ze Vargas was her perfect match. Unbeknownst to Ze he is a cat shifter, a jaguar to be specific and him learning all about the shifter world was hilarious, poor guy, Lol. I am not sure how Ms. Laurenston does it but those friends of Max’s, from high school; Nelle, Mads, Streep and Tock, Lol. Those girls right there? And all that they do? Just beautiful, awesome, stupendous and so many more words that I can’t even think of, but they have got to be the best “Butchers’ Badger Force” out there! There were some surprises in this one and I am not going to spoil it for anyone. Suffice it to say it has to do with Freddy MacKilligan, their father. It is beyond me how this man is still alive, I mean seriously? Lol We got to see all my past favorites, Dee Ann Smith, Cella Malone, Bo Novak, Blayne Thorpe, Miki Kendrick, Irene Conridge, and so much more. Some new people as well, the ‘other Malones” too funny. Just an awesome fantastic read and I could go on, and on, and on, it is just that good. Ms. Laurenston is a wonder! I am not sure how she keeps all of this straight in that head of hers, but another job well done. Her books always keep me laughing and I am NEVER, EVER DISAPPOINTED!!! I have to say that in the past, my favorite characters have been Blaynie and Dee-Ann, however CHARLIE MACKILLIGAN TAKES FIRST PLACE!!!! SHE IS THE BEST COLD AND CALCULATED, ON TARGET, NON-SHIFTING KILLER EVER!!!!!!!!! MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE CHARACTER, THEN BLAYNE, LOL!!!
I wish I could give this book 10 stars, as a matter of fact I shall, Lol. 10, TEN-CHARLIE TERRIFYING-KILLING, MAX DISMEMBER-KILLING, CAPTAIN DESTRUCTO, STREEP, TOCK, MADS, NELLE HONEY BADGERS STARS*********
P.S. I will definitely be re-reading this again. It was just stock full of good time and hilarious moments, that I laughed until I cried. I totally love that feeling!
****** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by NetGalley******
The MacKilligan sisters are hybrid shifters but so unique. After reading their story you really will want to be their best friend. This is the third book in the series and the story of Max probably the most bloodthirsty and really rather crazy. Family is everything to Max and there is nothing she will not do to protect her sisters. The humour and sassiness is off the scale and the fact Max and cats in any form do not mix will have you rooting for her with Ze a jaguar shifter who Max is willing to take on big time. The action is ramped up and will take you on a rollercoaster ride.
I would really recommend to read the other sisters stories you will not be sorry and will gain you extra time in the honey badger laugh a minute world.
I was given an ARC of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you’re looking for a paranormal romance full of snark, wit, chaos, and shifters doing bad things, then this book is for you. It truly kept me entertained the whole time I was reading it. Max finally gets her own story and it rocked. And ZeZé is the perfect mate for her – crazy honey badger + arrogant panther = an awesome good time.
Honey Badgers Rule!!!
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
I enjoyed the characters. Max, her sisters, her team and Ze. I laughed out loud at some of sassy comments and I loved the banter between all of them. Max’s attempts to explaining things to Ze and his introductions to his new life had me giggling.
It was hard to follow at times with the many different points of view. There were so many details included with all the varying points of view that I found myself skimming as the drawn-out inner monologue and the varying goings on of so many characters seemed to go on for pages. It didn’t feel like this was Max and Ze’s book, it was a book for many characters.
The many other points of view and so many things going on at once took away from Max and Ze and as a whole made the experience less enjoyable than I had originally thought this book would be since I expected more romance.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This doesn’t in anyway effect my opinion of the book or my review.
Omg this is the best one yet!!! You know how sometimes when you read a series the first book is awesome and then the books just sort of get worse…THIS IS NOT THAT SERIES!!!
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Overall Rating:
Kindle Unlimited: No
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Max has been a favorite character since book one. The no feeling, cold blooded killing machine who also likes to fight with EVERYONE just spoke to me! She was hilarious in all the previous books so I couldn’t wait to see how her book would go! It was AMAZING! Her story was AWESOMENESS with a side of laugh out loud for real!
Poor Ze, our little kitty that doesn’t know he is a kitty until Max saves him and literally turns his world inside out and upside down! Ze was a Marine that has infiltrated a not so great group of mercenaries…that is until they try to kidnap Max and all hell breaks loose!
I can’t tell you how much I laughed, but before I was even 25% into the book, I was already telling my friends about the book! This book was total package for me, great characters, strong AF heroine, comedy, a little steam, and a story that kept me going well past my bedtime! I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!! I just want this series to go on forever because all the characters are great and honestly the books just keep getting better!
This book has all my recommendations! Don’t make me go all Max on you if you don’t read it…. I mean it, read it!! LOVE IT!
Absolute chaotic action laced with humor! No one can write this crazy stuff like Shelly Laurenston, her honey badgers are her wackiest characters yet. The plot was kinda hard to see at first but it was there within the hilarious action. I didn’t really mind because I was so entertained, and yes the action just kept coming. She set up a lot of options for the next book that will come from this series and I’m anxious to find out. We were also treated by visits from many of her other characters from her other series. They all popped in and out playing a part in this book.
Max MacKilligan is the middle half sister in this trio and like the others extremely deadly. They share a Dad, Freddie MacKilligan who is a thief, conman and idiot. Max is the pro basketball player with her loyal cadre of lethal former high school basketball team. In this story Max has been very effectively keeping herself from being killed by several individuals. She knows her cousin Mairi is one and she can’t determine why she want’s Max dead other than Mairi is crazy. But her step-father Devon is also trying to take her out because of a convoluted op her mother was involved in. Renny Yang has been in a Bulgarian prison for 20 years because of a heist she was involved in with Devon & Freddie. The money seems to be missing and everyone thinks Renny has it. They figure taking out Max will draw out Renny, and it does. She burrows out of prison being a honey badger and deals with Devon. It gets nuts from there. I just love this series and you just have to let go and enjoy the ride.
When Max meets ZeZe Vargas he’s undercover working with Amelia Kamatsu who is contracted by the government for jobs too sensitive for the government to do. Ze gets caught in the havoc the undercover op going sideways while trying to kidnapped Max. Max saves his life and realizes he’s a jaguar shifter and doesn’t know it. She takes him home so he can learn about his new powers and not give away the shifters to his team. The lethal nuttiness just goes on from there.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For me, there are usually three things that make for writing a hard review. 1 The book was very emotional and I felt so much during the time of reading it that I find it hard to get it all out or I don’t want to give away an important moment in the story. 2 I really didn’t like it and I hate hurting anyone’s feelings. And 3, I loved it so much all the words want to fly out of my mouth and I can’t type as fast as my thoughts come in.
Can you guess which works for his book?
Yep, number 3. I love this series so much that before I read Badger to the Bone I read the first two books in this series again. I have a feeling I’ll be reading them again soon if I keep having some much trouble reading. They are now passing up my love to reread Ransom by Julie Garwood. Okay, maybe not pass but are at the same level.
At first, I was a little surprised that Badger to the Bone didn’t open up with the same humor that the others had. In fact, it’s not till 1/4 of the book that you really see the humor. Not that I didn’t love it because I sure did, it was just different.
I loved how poor crazy Max ended up with a man that doesn’t even know what he is. She doesn’t have time for others besides her sisters and here she is taking care of a man who she finds somewhat attractive (more than somewhat she just doesn’t want to admit it yet)
Poor Ze’, he just doesn’t understand what’s going on or why he keeps waking up naked and on top of the china cabinet. That should give you a clue about Ze’. I love the interaction between him and Max. I also love how Charlie treats him. She’s offish with so many and right away she likes him. This is a fast-moving story and you’ll love the new characters coming in.
I think my favorite part is the fact that I just love Max and all her craziness. But you also get to see her for the person she really is. You got glimpses of her from the other books but most of the time you only go killer Max with a dash of pain in the ass sister thrown in.
This is a fab book that you’ll love. I was so thrilled that Max found a man who put her first and even when there are crazy issues he stands with her. They make the perfect couple. See, I really want to reread this series again. That’s who much I love it. Being locked in this is the perfect series to try. For a while, it will help to get your mind off all the crap going on in the world today. I would say that you should read this series in order. It does make a difference. Now you don’t need to read the prior series to understand and enjoy this one but there are characters from that one that’s in this one. Might want to read both series for the heck of it
This is a fun, loving story that cracked me the hell up over and over again.
There’s mischief, madness, mayhem and lots of shifting going on in Shelly Laurenston’s latest honey badger fun fest, Badger to the Bone.
This has got to stop. Max “Kill It Again” MacKilligan’s crazy cousin Mairi MacKilligan is attacking her again. She doesn’t even know why Mairi hates her so much but enough is enough. Getting hit with a crowbar several times hurts. Then the blows stopped coming when Max hears rifle shots. Several shots hit Mairi in the chest and stomach. Not enough to kill a honey badger but enough to stop her temporarily. Yay! Her backup kicked in. Now to get down to business. Max runs up to the white van chock full of ex-military guys planning to kidnap her. She jumps in and yanks the black hood waiting for her over her head and tells them, “Go! Go!” And that’s how Max meets Ze’. The fun is just beginning.
Zeze’ Vargus’ assignment is to take down Patowski’s mercenary group, hired killers, which is creating havoc all around the world. Patowski and his group have been hired by Devon Martin to kidnap Max. Devon thinks Max will be great leverage against her imprisoned mother Renny Yang. Devon believes Renny has the money from the last robbery they committed together. After the slaughter where Patowski and crew met their match in Max and her team. Max decides to bring home a very knocked out Ze’ along with her and her team because he tried to save her. Ze’ finds himself in Queens in the rental house of the MacKilliagn sisters. What he never knew before is that he is a shifter. How could he not know this? His grandfather who raised him after the death of his mother and grandmother never told him this which means he has a lot of explaining to do. First things first though. He has to figure out where he goes from here if he even believes he is really a shifter. And how about that Max woman? Beautiful and hot!
Badger to the Bone is the third book in Shelly Laurenston’s Honey Badger Chronicles series. It’s typical Shelly Laurenston all the way. Crazy, zany super humerous, comedy madness! I laughed so much while I was reading this. There’s tons of fun, snarky dialogue. I love the interaction amongst the MacKilligan sisters, Charlie, Max and Stevie. There’s lots of action, twists and turns and plenty of surprises too. It was great to see so many characters from previous books in the series and other Shelly Laurenston series too like The Group’s Dee-Ann Smith and Cella Malone, the crazy shifter Blaine with her spastic dance moves, Charlie’s bear shifter mate Berg and his triplet sister and brother, and Stevie’s panda shifter mate Shen still munching on bamboo shoots all the time and many more. I loved this book!
Badger to the Bone is the 3rd book in the Honey Badger Chronicles. This was my first book by this author, which made it a little hard to follow along with since I hadn’t read the previous two books. The book is very well written, and at times had me laughing out loud. For those that enjoy PNR and shifters of all kinds, I believe they will enjoy this series. I would definitely recommend this book to others. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of the book from Kensington Books, and this is my fair and honest review of the book.
Badger to the Bone is the third book in Shelly Laurenston’s Honey Badger Chronicles and continues where the previous two left off – trailing the trials and tribulations of the MacKilligan sisters, Charlie, Max, and Stevie, as they deal with their supremely odd and messed up extended family. In this book, we get to see Max, arguably the most daring and crazy of the three sisters meet – well, not her match but rather someone who’s willing to look past all those flaws of hers.
Just as with the previous two novels in the series, Laurenston’s interesting sense of humor and love of kooky characters shines through. The sisters and the shifters who share their world are zany and over the top in the best way possible. This, combined with their penchant for getting into situations that often end in violence, is a recipe for entertainment. And I think that’s the best way to describe a series centered around honey badger shifters – entertaining. Most shifter series/romances tend to focus on the bigger predators, i.e., lions, wolves, bears, etc. so these books truly bring something new to the table and force you to reconsider the ferociousness of the honey badger.
I highly recommend reading the first two books in the series before moving on to Badger to the Bone. There are a lot of interconnecting plotlines that begin and are carried out throughout the previous two books that continue in the third. The different points of view (and there are a lot) can often become confusing – which is my only real issue with the books. It’s hard to remember all the key players and who is related to whom and why they want to kill so-and-so.
If you’re looking for a book chock full of humorously psychotic characters, strong sisterly bonds, and more than a little violence, this is for you. What you lose in the fast pacing and barrage of information, you definitely make up for in humor and that makes it worth the read.
*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
BADGER TO THE BONE (Honey Badger Chronicles #3) by Shelly Laurenston
4.5 stars–
ABOUT THE BOOK : Release Date March 31, 2020
She’s the woman he’s been hired to kidnap. But ZeZé Vargas has other ideas . . . like getting them both out of this nightmare alive. Just one problem. She’s crazy. Certifiably. Because while he’s plotting their escape, the petite Asian beauty is plotting something much more deadly . . .
Max “Kill It Again” MacKilligan has no idea what one of her own is doing with all these criminal humans until she realizes that Zé has no idea who or what he is. Or exactly how much power he truly has.
But Max is more than happy to bring this handsome jaguar shifter into her world and show him everything he’s been missing out on. A move that might be the dumbest thing she’s ever done once she realizes how far her enemies will go to wipe her out. Too bad for them Zé is willing to do whatever it takes to keep her alive . . . and honey badgers are just so damn hard to kill!
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REVIEW: 4.5 stars–BADGER TO THE BONE is the third instalment in Shelly Laurenston’s contemporary, adult HONEY BADGER CHRONICLES paranormal series-a spin off from the authors PACK, and PRIDE series. This is honey badger /basketball player Max MacKilligan, and jaguar shifter, former US Marine and Black Ops member ZeZé Vargas. BADGER TO THE BONE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalments is revealed where necessary but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order.
Told from several third person perspectives including Max and Zé BADGER TO THE BONE follows several paths but continues to focus on the MacKilligan half- sisters: badger/ wolf Charlie; honey badger Maxie, and badger/ tiger Stevie MacKilligan.
In the aftermath of an abduction in the Netherlands of badger shifter Max MacKilligan. Max is surprised to discover one of her would-be rescuers is a jaguar shifter, a shifter who is unaware of his DNA. Upon return to American soil, Max would become ZeZé Vargas’ mentor in an effort to acclimate her foundling ‘kitty’ into the unfamiliarity of the shifter world but everything continues to spiral out of control as the fractured and broken MacKilligan family dynamic targets our heroine from a number of sides. What ensues is the slow building relationship between Max and ZeZé, as Max, along with Charlie and Stevie, must come to terms with the fall-out of their father’s life.
Like their human counterparts, the shifter world is constantly at war. From secret military organizations, to illegal money laundering, and the battle between shifter nations, specieism and discrimination are at the heart of everything that continues to go wrong. The MacKilligan family’s reputation is well known in the world of the shifters but Charlie, Max and Stevie are a weapon unto themselves. When another ‘secret shifter’ organization recruits Max to help shut down a human trafficking ring, Max knows, not only will her sisters be by her side, but her basketball shifter team that will always have her back.
Once again, as per Laurenston’s style of writing, the back and forth, frenetic energy between characters and situations is fast paced, humorous, snarky and fun. There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters-many whom we have me in this (who doesn’t love the bears) and the author’s previous series, as well as the introduction of more members of the cat nation, and a surprising addition to the MacKilligan family. The premise is imaginative and thrilling; the characters are spirited, sassy and playful; the romance is passionate and enticing.
And this is why Shelly Laurenston is one of my favorite authors. I have always reread her when I have been feeling sad or blue, so reading this now it is perfect. She completely enthralls me with her characters and dialog. They are the best!!!!! The laughs keep coming. The relationships are incredibly well written. She makes you smile when you really thought you would not be smiling that day.
THANK YOU FOR THE MOST AWESOME CHARACTER OF MAX, AND FOR MAKING ME SMILE.
I have totally loved Max from her first introduction. She is just downright crazy, and yet so logical. Wow! Pairing her with Ze was perfect. That he did not know he was a cat was hilarious. His reaction to all the unique shifter stuff was so funny. This was such a fun book. One question – what was up with the china cabinet??????????
Badger to the Bone by Shelly Laurenston is one trippy-snarky-hilarious addition to this awesome series. The book is outrageously funny, you’ll be highly entertained by Max and her honey badger sisters. However, I have to add that this book is really light on the romance side so if you’re looking into heavy sexy times between Max and ZeZé, you might be leaving disappointed. Having said that it is still a book that you must pick up and read. It will leave you in stitches.
I was given a copy by NetGalley, however the opinion above is all my own.
Snarky, laugh out loud off the chain chaos!
Max will have you rolling in the floor while everyone looks at you like you like,she’s gone bonkers.She is crazy and protective of her family. She’s also a badass that will smile in your face and mess you up.Everybody knows you don’t mess with a Honey Badger.
Ze doesn’t know he’s a shifter. When she saves her Kitty Cat his life will never be the same. Character interaction is amazing. You are definitely in for a treat.
(4.5 stars)
Readers that are familiar with Laurenston will adore this action-packed romp.
Shelly Laurenston’s shifter books are total candy for me. I have been following the MacKilligan sisters since the very beginning, stalking release dates like a maniac, and Max has always been my absolute favorite. There is something about her tiny homicidal self decorated with a smile that makes me undeniably happy. Watching her character growth since book one has been fantastic as you get to see some of the reasoning behind her actions as a sister (pestering Stevie) and more.
As much as I loved Badger to the Bone, I do wish that Zé’s story arc had a bit more to it. I loved his character and really wanted to see more of him as a primary character rather than just a sidekick to Max and her sisters.
Overall, this was such a fun way to wrap up the MacKilligan HEAs and we are primed for more honey badger action. I can hardly wait to see who gets their moment first!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What is there to say about this crazy series set in the author’s Pride world and featuring a trio of batsh*t crazy honey badger sisters who are beyond vicious with outsiders, yet unfailingly defend their family and friends against all comers. This book was Max, the middle sister’s, story. In the previous books, Max was arguably the craziest and least predictable of the sisters, and I had real doubts about whether the author could make her a heroine I could root for. She seemed to have no motivation beyond stirring the pot, driving everyone around her crazy, getting into fights with no provocation, and having “fun” as she defined it. Still, there were always hints that although she appeared completely self-interested, Max was, in fact, incredibly loyal to her circle, so I shouldn’t have doubted that she could carry her own book. In Badger to the Bone, we finally get to see Max’s loyalty and her motivations and I definitely came to root for her.
In terms of plot, to be honest, there really wasn’t one, just basically an excuse for lots of over-the-top scenes featuring the main characters and a whole host of characters from previous books. I tend to kind of just smile the whole time I’m reading because it’s all just so crazy and madcap and so far removed from everyday reality. As always, although there was kind of a romance between Max and Ze, a jaguar shifter who doesn’t know that he’s a shifter, the romance was not fully fleshed out and I think that’s my one criticism of this trilogy, that I really wish there had been more showing of the progression of their romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ZeZe Vargas finds himself in a world he had no idea existed. He is watching a woman who has been kidnapped and should be quivering in fear go crazy on the men who kidnapped her. Ze is trying to figure out what the heck is going on when Max “Kill It Again” MacKilligan decides to do him a favor and take care of him after he is hurt. Max idea of taking care of though is just to bring him to her families home and let them help him out. However, Max’s sister Charlie decides Max needs to take care of Ze. Throw in a crazy cousin who is out to kill her, her father’s latest scheme that is bound to fail and her basketball team who is going to the playoffs, Max has her hands full but she is also trying to figure out what to do with the attraction she feels for Ze.
There are only a handful of authors I can get their book and know it is going to be excellent before turning the first page and Shelly Laurenston is one of them. I was not sure how Max’s story would go because she is hardest of the sisters, but it was brilliant. Funny, unpredictable and pure joy. Picked it up and could not put down, ready to reread already.