A review by cluckieduck
Shots and Barbs by Lily Mayne

emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I was so happy to revisit the Deep Earth Dating world. Lily has a great knack for world-building within her series and she has certainly found the recipe for creating characters that you want to root for.

Pooni Nuni was such an unlikable character in book 1, but the way Lily was able to flesh out his backstory and show his growth throughout this one made him an endearing lead. While I don't know if the juxtaposition between how Nuni handled his anxiety (Mr. highly regimented perfectionist) compared to Greid (softboi stoner) influenced me, I felt that I didn't connect with Nuni as a MMC as much as I did Greid. That's not to say he wasn't enjoyable, because he certainly was, I think that's just a personal preference of mine.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Nuni & Anita, and reading their ever-evolving competitiveness was fun. And the snark was top notch!

I bet he swaggered, as if his enormous dick was throwing him off balance.

Anita is a great FMC - strong-willed, competent, and caring. I also appreciated the IBS rep without it being a defining character trait! The way she was able to balance Nuni, and both finding equal support with one another was really enjoyable - they were a perfect match.

"Nuni, you do know they're not up there specifically worshipping you, right?"

"I know," I shot back defensively. "But it's like...I'm like the demiurgus version of that old Italian statue of a human dude. You know? The ideal or whatever. I'm probably what they're all up there imagining as the ultimate demiurgus specimen."

"This is starting to feel like I need to contact your family for an intervention."

I also really enjoyed getting to spend some more time with with extended var Rorik family, especially seeing the relationship Nuni has with Laki. Very much looking forward to their upcoming book. I'm glad that Nuni & Greid got to air their stuff, though it did seem to wrap up a little too nicely. Also really digging this trend away from 3rd act break-ups - keep it going please!

All in all, a great continuation of the series and can't wait to see where it goes next!

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am leaving this review voluntarily.
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