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A review by catsandbookstacks
Shots and Barbs by Lily Mayne
medium-paced
5.0
*Thank you to the author for the eARC.*
Another Lily Mayne special! I love this sweet, fun, steamy and slice of life series!
Shots and Barbs is book two in the Deep Earth Dating Series featuring diverse monster/human pairings. While not necessary, I would recommend reading book one first to understand the dynamics of the van Rorik family.
This dual POV story involves a work rivalry, between an architect and his event planner, that builds with tension, banter, competition, and nerves over developing feelings. The slower burn and length of the novel showcases the small moments of real life, with a focus on the two main characters and those surrounding them. If you're looking for a fast paced plot, this series likely isn't for you.
I wasn't sure about douchebro Nuni at first, but he has such depth behind his character that I just want to squish him. Anita's no nonsense attitude makes her great at her job and I love how she allowed herself the opportunity to take control of what she desires. Both characters are flawed, as we all are, and these two just can't help be drawn to each other.
Nuni and his brother Greid have their talk we knew was coming from Berries and Greed. My heart was warmed and it made me so happy to see them build their connection. The extra time with the rest of the van Rorik family has me so excited for future books: Sorin's trepidation about opening a bakery, Laki's "okay so you like her, and..." phone calls, Greid opening up to his arrogant older brother, etc.
Shots and Barbs features multiple open door scenes, as well as characters who are focused on their eating and exercise (body consciousness, meal planning, disordered eating).
Read if you like:
- MCs in their 30s
- saunas
- treadmill competitions
- MMC knows he's attractive
- frogs
- low angst
- special manicures
- secret f*ck buddies
- different genitalia
CW: discussions of childhood bullying, details of parentification of MMC when younger, mentions of difficult childhood and absent parent, brief mention of worries coming out as bisexual (no conflict)
Another Lily Mayne special! I love this sweet, fun, steamy and slice of life series!
Shots and Barbs is book two in the Deep Earth Dating Series featuring diverse monster/human pairings. While not necessary, I would recommend reading book one first to understand the dynamics of the van Rorik family.
This dual POV story involves a work rivalry, between an architect and his event planner, that builds with tension, banter, competition, and nerves over developing feelings. The slower burn and length of the novel showcases the small moments of real life, with a focus on the two main characters and those surrounding them. If you're looking for a fast paced plot, this series likely isn't for you.
I wasn't sure about douchebro Nuni at first, but he has such depth behind his character that I just want to squish him. Anita's no nonsense attitude makes her great at her job and I love how she allowed herself the opportunity to take control of what she desires. Both characters are flawed, as we all are, and these two just can't help be drawn to each other.
Nuni and his brother Greid have their talk we knew was coming from Berries and Greed. My heart was warmed and it made me so happy to see them build their connection. The extra time with the rest of the van Rorik family has me so excited for future books: Sorin's trepidation about opening a bakery, Laki's "okay so you like her, and..." phone calls, Greid opening up to his arrogant older brother, etc.
Shots and Barbs features multiple open door scenes, as well as characters who are focused on their eating and exercise (body consciousness, meal planning, disordered eating).
Read if you like:
- MCs in their 30s
- saunas
- treadmill competitions
- MMC knows he's attractive
- frogs
- low angst
- special manicures
- secret f*ck buddies
- different genitalia
CW: discussions of childhood bullying, details of parentification of MMC when younger, mentions of difficult childhood and absent parent, brief mention of worries coming out as bisexual (no conflict)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content