Bite Me

In the uproarious ninth installment of Laurenston’s Pride paranormal series (after Howl for It), two shape-shifters are united by a mutual love... of honey. Bear-tiger hybrid Vic Barinov and honey badger Livy Kowalski maintain an odd, sometimes contentious friendship, which is strengthened after Livy’s father dies and Vic decides she needs cheering up. Soon they’re working together to track down human criminal Frankie Whitlan. When Livy discovers Whitlan’s connection to her father’s death, it becomes a no-holds-barred mission of revenge. The freewheeling plot is expertly seasoned with heavy doses of raunchy humor, action, and intensely satisfying chemistry between the leads, which naturally blossoms into an erotically charged romance. Laurenston builds up her world with a sprawling cast of memorable characters and their over-the-top antics, featuring everything from bear-only towns with Renaissance Faires to shifter roller derby. While chaotic at times, this delightfully zany novel is anything but disappointing, and Laurenston’s fans will gobble it up like Livy with a jar of cinnamon honey. Agent: Ethan Ellenberg, Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency. (Apr.)