Born to Be Badger

A fun, action-packed romp, Laurenston’s fifth Honey Badger Chronicles paranormal romance (after Breaking Badger) follows Emily “Tock” Lepstein-Jackson, who shape-shifts between a human and a honey badger, though her honey badger nature rules her personality at all times. Whether she’s helping her grandmother’s syndicate right wrongs, winning basketball games in an underground shape-shifter’s athletic league, or practicing her skills as a master thief, Tock always leaps headfirst into danger. Her most recent mission: to stop the lion shifters she suspects of human trafficking. Weretiger Shay Malone is after the same lions, who are responsible for the death of his father. Shay is uncommonly kind in a cruel world, but he’s still up for action and adventure—which is good, because working together with Tock lands him in ambushes, hospitals, and more. Meanwhile, Tock shows her budding love for Shay in the fiercely protective way that only a honey badger can. Though newcomers may struggle to keep up with the layered worldbuilding and large supporting cast, Laurenston delivers all the fast-paced comedy, romance, and hijinks that longtime fans expect. For those readers, this will be a treat. (Dec.)