With so many BL titles coming from English-language publishers being single-volume titles, it's great to see something like SHOOT JULIET DOWN that promises multiple installments and a multifaceted plot. The longer form aspect of this series means that, even in the first volume, we can get down to a complex and branching story right away.

Juri (a.k.a. "Juliet") and Akatsuki are the #1 and #2 hosts at their host club, Velvet Kiss. Juri seems to have an almost hypnotic pull on the ladies, raking in impossibly expensive champagne calls. Rumor has it that Juri prefers men and has a dark secret, and Akatsuki decides he needs to get in there and learn what makes this top-tier host tick. He's not expecting to be drawn into Juri's romantic web himself, and soon what counts as "lessons" and what's real attraction becomes deeply blurred.

But Juri's life isn't all beautiful. While he may seem in control at the host club, someone else is pulling the strings behind the scenes. Meanwhile, Akatsuki finds himself turning to his most loyal lady when Juri isn't around. But even this wide-eyed college student is more than she seems.

SHOOT JULIET DOWN does not shy away from darker undertones, showing how its varied characters explore their need for control. It's a promising start with a wide span of storylines to chase down, and hopefully this will continue going strong.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

There are inklings here of a deeper commentary on sex work and objectification, which could be very interesting, especially given the story centers around male sex workers. But ultimately, the story skirted these points to focus on the relationship between the two MCs. The MCs themselves are not interesting or distinct enough to make me care about their relationship or their lives.

I wasn’t sure I was going to enjoy this but boy was I
I wrong it was fantastic!
Both the leads feel so well rounded and I can’t wait to find out what exactly Mary has over Juri.
I don’t know if I can wait until spring 2026 for the next instalment as I’m hooked!

Not really my thing. I was drawn in by the cover and title and it just kept catching my eye that I eventually gave in. Both Akatsuki and Juri are playing dangerous games - and it’s kind of interesting seeing women in antagonistic roles (because I feel like that’s kind of uncommon in manga in general but especially in BLs where there often aren’t many female characters). Also props for mentioning (if only briefly) that a character is STD-free (allowing the assumption that they get regularly tested)