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Tigers and Devils #2
Tigerland
After an eventful and sometimes uncomfortably public courtship, Simon Murray and Declan Tyler settled into a comfortable life together. Now retired from the AFL, Declan works as a football commentator; Simon develops programs with queer content for a community television station.
Despite their public professional lives, Simon and Declan manage to keep their private life out of the spotlight - until Greg Heyward, Declan’s ex-partner, outs himself in a transparent bid for attention.
Though Simon and Declan are furious with Greg and his media antics, they can’t agree on what to do about it. Declan insists they should maintain a dignified silence, but both he and Simon keep getting drawn into Heyward’s games. Simon and Declan will once again have to ride out the media storm before they can return their attention to what really matters: each other.
***BONUS*** Includes in-universe story, "The Other Side of the Barrel". Ever wanted to know Declan's perspective of his first encounter with Simon? You'll find out!
Despite their public professional lives, Simon and Declan manage to keep their private life out of the spotlight - until Greg Heyward, Declan’s ex-partner, outs himself in a transparent bid for attention.
Though Simon and Declan are furious with Greg and his media antics, they can’t agree on what to do about it. Declan insists they should maintain a dignified silence, but both he and Simon keep getting drawn into Heyward’s games. Simon and Declan will once again have to ride out the media storm before they can return their attention to what really matters: each other.
***BONUS*** Includes in-universe story, "The Other Side of the Barrel". Ever wanted to know Declan's perspective of his first encounter with Simon? You'll find out!
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2012
90 people are currently reading
1250 people want to read
About the author
Sean Kennedy
45 books1,018 followersSean Kennedy lives in the second-most isolated city in the world, thinks there are thylacines still out in the wild, and eagerly awaits the return of Twin Peaks in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
June 7, 2013
**3.5 stars**
I liked this book much more than the first but I still had some major issues with this one. On a positive note, I ADORED Simon here. Snarky, hilarious, and oozing with pop culture references: Just how I like my main characters! However, this book was brought way down in the ratings for a few reasons.
1) Very little romance or intimacy. I just can't get behind Dec and Simon as a couple because I rarely feel like they act like one. Even in the privacy of their own home, I feel like their relationship feels more like a friendship than a romance. And the lack of sex scenes don't help this perception...
2) The Greg-centric plot. I felt like the entire book was just one big "Greg is evil" flashing sign. Greg was a totally one-sided character and it just felt cartoonish and odd to me. I wanted more... something... and less focus on Greg. It seemed like Sean Kennedy dragged out the evil things that Greg did so he would have enough pages to fill out a sequel.
Also, what happened between Lisa and Abe that caused them to split up in the beginning? I want the dirty details! Did that bother anyone else??
Overall, I'm very glad I gave this one a chance. Again, I loved the voice of Simon and I think Sean Kennedy has some serious talent. This book just didn't resonate with me.
I liked this book much more than the first but I still had some major issues with this one. On a positive note, I ADORED Simon here. Snarky, hilarious, and oozing with pop culture references: Just how I like my main characters! However, this book was brought way down in the ratings for a few reasons.
1) Very little romance or intimacy. I just can't get behind Dec and Simon as a couple because I rarely feel like they act like one. Even in the privacy of their own home, I feel like their relationship feels more like a friendship than a romance. And the lack of sex scenes don't help this perception...
2) The Greg-centric plot. I felt like the entire book was just one big "Greg is evil" flashing sign. Greg was a totally one-sided character and it just felt cartoonish and odd to me. I wanted more... something... and less focus on Greg. It seemed like Sean Kennedy dragged out the evil things that Greg did so he would have enough pages to fill out a sequel.
Also, what happened between Lisa and Abe that caused them to split up in the beginning? I want the dirty details! Did that bother anyone else??
Overall, I'm very glad I gave this one a chance. Again, I loved the voice of Simon and I think Sean Kennedy has some serious talent. This book just didn't resonate with me.
April 5, 2024
Better and better with each book. Simon and Declan are couple goals. 😍
October 25, 2012
Oh. My. God!!! I freaking loved this book, but only as a good friend, I'd give it TEN STARS!
<','>
Stuff I said before reading the book:
This better not ruin book one for me. (I liked this better than book 1)
This will be the first dsp book I've bought since last years Christmas antho of shitty suckage
I love the cover. Even though Declan should be bigger
Crap I wrote as/after reading the book:
(':')
The summer in November is weird for me. I kept forgetting about Tim zones and that the earths tilted and all that nonsense. It shouldn't be hot in November.
At start of chapter 11 or 67% it says "And I did know it was true." I'm pretty sure it's supposed to say wasn't true. And that makes a huge huge difference for what they're talking about.
What kind of fancy lift is this? Second time where the lift going up has stopped and opened the doors for people going down. I can't comprehend this! Here elevators have an up and down button. If you hit down the elevator will only open when it's on it's way down.
Wait so they don't want Declan at his charity event because of his personal life, but they invite Greg who not only has the same stuff going in but is the one makin all the drama? How does that make sense? Aww they explain it a little. All about the publicity image. Still they (Dec's charity organizers and his agent) suck ... Whatever happened with his agent, she walked away and was never mentioned again?
I don't understand a lot of the Aussie slang. But I still Loved it!
I did not want this to end. It's one of those books where you just get submerged into the story and you get really posed off when someone interrupts your reading. These characters are just people you'd want to be friends with and I really connected with them. Loved it!
Declan and Simon are perfect together. Loved it!
I loved seeing how much these two grew from book one. There is so much chemistry between them and I loved how much their communication skills have developed. I was very happy that there were no separations or Declan running, instead they worked through mostly everything together. Loved it!
<','>
Stuff I said before reading the book:
This better not ruin book one for me. (I liked this better than book 1)
This will be the first dsp book I've bought since last years Christmas antho of shitty suckage
I love the cover. Even though Declan should be bigger
Crap I wrote as/after reading the book:
(':')
The summer in November is weird for me. I kept forgetting about Tim zones and that the earths tilted and all that nonsense. It shouldn't be hot in November.
At start of chapter 11 or 67% it says "And I did know it was true." I'm pretty sure it's supposed to say wasn't true. And that makes a huge huge difference for what they're talking about.
What kind of fancy lift is this? Second time where the lift going up has stopped and opened the doors for people going down. I can't comprehend this! Here elevators have an up and down button. If you hit down the elevator will only open when it's on it's way down.
Wait so they don't want Declan at his charity event because of his personal life, but they invite Greg who not only has the same stuff going in but is the one makin all the drama? How does that make sense? Aww they explain it a little. All about the publicity image. Still they (Dec's charity organizers and his agent) suck ... Whatever happened with his agent, she walked away and was never mentioned again?
I don't understand a lot of the Aussie slang. But I still Loved it!
I did not want this to end. It's one of those books where you just get submerged into the story and you get really posed off when someone interrupts your reading. These characters are just people you'd want to be friends with and I really connected with them. Loved it!
Declan and Simon are perfect together. Loved it!
I loved seeing how much these two grew from book one. There is so much chemistry between them and I loved how much their communication skills have developed. I was very happy that there were no separations or Declan running, instead they worked through mostly everything together. Loved it!
October 19, 2012
4.25 stars
Sigh, I even love it slightly more than Tigers and Devils ...
See, "Tigers and Devils" was one of the first books I read when I jumped into the m/m foray back in 2009. It holds a special place in my heart along with some other books I read back in those early days. Imagine my excitement when Sean Kennedy announced that he was planning a sequel. At the same time, I have a little trepidation because sequels are not always great (or needed for that matter)
Duly noted, due to the capacity of my small brain, I don't remember much about what have happened. I remember the kiss at the garden and the happy ending; but I don't recall many of the names -- Greg who? Jasper who? -- Even so, Mr. Kennedy writes it so well, that the book can act as stand-alone, with a different set of problems for the established couple, Simon and Dec. I'm not advising it though, I think everyone should read "Tigers and Devils" first, to understand what Simon and Dec had been through the first time around.
This book is a joy to read. That "Coin Toss" chapter alone, makes me gasp in shock and then laugh in delight. Smart scene! I truly, TRULY, love Simon's voice. There are so many one-liners here, I'm tempted to highlight them all. But then it will postpone my reading and I'm having too much fun to do so. In what I mean as a compliment, Simon reminds me of the crazy things of that Bridget Jones movies and that means a whole lot of entertainment.
This time around, after being judged as the guy who made the football star gay -- the problem that Simon and Dec must face is coming from Dec's ex, Greg Heyward. At first, my reaction to Greg is "Man, what is HIS problem?!" I don't understand why he is stirring the storm four years after Dec dumped him, after Dec and Simon has been together for 3+ years.
Then I realized, here is a guy who is about to retire from the game. He needs to squeeze a little more time so he can still be on the spotlight. What better way to do that than to tell everyone that he and Dec were used to be "the-it-gay" couple of AFL, even if they are both in the closet at that time.
What entails? A great story about how Simon and Dec deal with the media, while at the same time, strengthen their love for one another. I enjoy every minute of it, including their arguments and the quick escape from all the frenzy (the part of Comfort Lodge Room 12 is epic *grin* and the part with the whale at the beach is beautiful!).
I admit I'm a bit annoyed with Dec's way of handling the issue ... I know that he is trying to take the 'dignified silence' and he won't stoop so low to get suck into the Greg's mindgame. However, Simon is not a celebrity; this silent game is affecting him more than Dec. It's not like they are Brangelina, who are both famous, and used to avoid such things. However, the way that Dec makes up for it in the end? Pure perfection, baby!!
I love the stories about other people in Simon and Dec's life as well, like their friends Fran and Roger, and their touching attempt to get pregnant. It brings a down-to-earth level to it, that when you are among friends, your life is not just about you but about them as well. The part with Fran and Roger is really done well. I'm not saying the same for the one with Abe and Lisa though. I still don't understand why they break up in the first place and why now decide to try again.
All in all, I feel like reading updates about old friends. So thank you, Mr. Kennedy for delivering a sequel that is well-written and worthy of every seconds I read it.
PS: I do have one question that left unanswered (or maybe I miss it). Is Dec still working as commentator then? And is Jill really fired?
Sigh, I even love it slightly more than Tigers and Devils ...
See, "Tigers and Devils" was one of the first books I read when I jumped into the m/m foray back in 2009. It holds a special place in my heart along with some other books I read back in those early days. Imagine my excitement when Sean Kennedy announced that he was planning a sequel. At the same time, I have a little trepidation because sequels are not always great (or needed for that matter)
Duly noted, due to the capacity of my small brain, I don't remember much about what have happened. I remember the kiss at the garden and the happy ending; but I don't recall many of the names -- Greg who? Jasper who? -- Even so, Mr. Kennedy writes it so well, that the book can act as stand-alone, with a different set of problems for the established couple, Simon and Dec. I'm not advising it though, I think everyone should read "Tigers and Devils" first, to understand what Simon and Dec had been through the first time around.
This book is a joy to read. That "Coin Toss" chapter alone, makes me gasp in shock and then laugh in delight. Smart scene! I truly, TRULY, love Simon's voice. There are so many one-liners here, I'm tempted to highlight them all. But then it will postpone my reading and I'm having too much fun to do so. In what I mean as a compliment, Simon reminds me of the crazy things of that Bridget Jones movies and that means a whole lot of entertainment.
This time around, after being judged as the guy who made the football star gay -- the problem that Simon and Dec must face is coming from Dec's ex, Greg Heyward. At first, my reaction to Greg is "Man, what is HIS problem?!" I don't understand why he is stirring the storm four years after Dec dumped him, after Dec and Simon has been together for 3+ years.
Then I realized, here is a guy who is about to retire from the game. He needs to squeeze a little more time so he can still be on the spotlight. What better way to do that than to tell everyone that he and Dec were used to be "the-it-gay" couple of AFL, even if they are both in the closet at that time.
What entails? A great story about how Simon and Dec deal with the media, while at the same time, strengthen their love for one another. I enjoy every minute of it, including their arguments and the quick escape from all the frenzy (the part of Comfort Lodge Room 12 is epic *grin* and the part with the whale at the beach is beautiful!).
I admit I'm a bit annoyed with Dec's way of handling the issue ... I know that he is trying to take the 'dignified silence' and he won't stoop so low to get suck into the Greg's mindgame. However, Simon is not a celebrity; this silent game is affecting him more than Dec. It's not like they are Brangelina, who are both famous, and used to avoid such things. However, the way that Dec makes up for it in the end? Pure perfection, baby!!
I love the stories about other people in Simon and Dec's life as well, like their friends Fran and Roger, and their touching attempt to get pregnant. It brings a down-to-earth level to it, that when you are among friends, your life is not just about you but about them as well. The part with Fran and Roger is really done well. I'm not saying the same for the one with Abe and Lisa though. I still don't understand why they break up in the first place and why now decide to try again.
All in all, I feel like reading updates about old friends. So thank you, Mr. Kennedy for delivering a sequel that is well-written and worthy of every seconds I read it.
PS: I do have one question that left unanswered (or maybe I miss it). Is Dec still working as commentator then? And is Jill really fired?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2012
I'm the odd one out. Again. Because that cover is bloody ugly. It's like two mannequins holding hands. And don't get me started with their clothes.
----------
06 November 2012
Well. This wasn't bad but I kind of found it didn't have a raison d'etre. Not to mention how the story was totally blown out of proportion. But it was Simon and Declan—and who doesn't love them?—so I kept reading. Good to know they're doing all right.
----------
06 November 2012
Well. This wasn't bad but I kind of found it didn't have a raison d'etre. Not to mention how the story was totally blown out of proportion. But it was Simon and Declan—and who doesn't love them?—so I kept reading. Good to know they're doing all right.
October 21, 2012
I think the thing I love most about Simon and Declan is how real they feel. They make mistakes, occasionally significant ones, and they sometimes argue and they let the small stuff get to them, but the love between Simon and Dec is clear and strong throughout. This series also has great secondary characters and it was fun to revisit them all.
January 8, 2013
I'm not sure whether Sean Kennedy intends to publish a third book, but I would pre-order it, read it on the release date and then probably rave about it just as I plan to rave about the first two books.
In fact, it doesn't even need to have a plot for all I care: I would happily read about Simon and Declan getting groceries, spending lazy Sundays together, visiting friends and weird family members and so on. They are such fantastic characters that quickly become your friends, it's impossible to resist them.
Anyway, this is not a review and I'll probably never write one, but I just wanted to share how much I loved both these books and the lovely, tender, and above all, realistic romance in them. This is not some implausible, exaggerated m/m romance written to satisfy a growing market, it is a warm story about a solid relationship that occasionally suffers a bit from being in the spotlight.
I'd bow to Sean Kennedy if he wasn't on the other side of the world. But even now, my hat's off to him.
If you like stories about love, friendship and family with a lot of good humor and quirky characters, this one fits the description perfectly.
In fact, it doesn't even need to have a plot for all I care: I would happily read about Simon and Declan getting groceries, spending lazy Sundays together, visiting friends and weird family members and so on. They are such fantastic characters that quickly become your friends, it's impossible to resist them.
Anyway, this is not a review and I'll probably never write one, but I just wanted to share how much I loved both these books and the lovely, tender, and above all, realistic romance in them. This is not some implausible, exaggerated m/m romance written to satisfy a growing market, it is a warm story about a solid relationship that occasionally suffers a bit from being in the spotlight.
I'd bow to Sean Kennedy if he wasn't on the other side of the world. But even now, my hat's off to him.
If you like stories about love, friendship and family with a lot of good humor and quirky characters, this one fits the description perfectly.
August 21, 2022
Still absolutely in love with Dec, Simon and the cast of friends/family. Some big changes in this book, some hard to read, some characters missing....yet it is still the same feel. Simon is still Simon, yet more mature and has spectacular moments. Dec is the same caring, sensible guy who loves with his whole heart.
I will probably re-read this gem.
I will probably re-read this gem.
February 11, 2022
Just as good as the first one if not better as this time there wasn't as much miscommunication between the boys as in the original.
This time all the wanky stuff is caused by Declan's ex Greg, the other gay AFL player we first heard about in Tigers and Devils.
The usual excellent supporting cast was also present and while it would have been interesting to find out why Abe and Lisa had their temporary separation, ultimately it didn't matter.
There was just as much snarky humour as before and I liked the little nods to what holds for modern journalism these days and how fickle fame is.
I felt a bit sorry for Jasper and it was an interesting twist to have him be involved with Greg, especially when you could see how one-sided that was.
I find it so weird that Australia still doesn't allow same-sex marriage so there is always a bittersweet note to Dec and Simon's relationship even though I know marriage isn't always a desire for couples of all persuasions.
Still, the fact they can't do it even if they wanted to makes me cross.
And I said it about the first one and I'll say it about this one too, it would be nice for not all their sex scenes to happen off-screen or in a fade to black moment.
Still, that's a minor quibble and it does mean these books can meet a wider audience.
This time all the wanky stuff is caused by Declan's ex Greg, the other gay AFL player we first heard about in Tigers and Devils.
The usual excellent supporting cast was also present and while it would have been interesting to find out why Abe and Lisa had their temporary separation, ultimately it didn't matter.
There was just as much snarky humour as before and I liked the little nods to what holds for modern journalism these days and how fickle fame is.
I felt a bit sorry for Jasper and it was an interesting twist to have him be involved with Greg, especially when you could see how one-sided that was.
I find it so weird that Australia still doesn't allow same-sex marriage so there is always a bittersweet note to Dec and Simon's relationship even though I know marriage isn't always a desire for couples of all persuasions.
Still, the fact they can't do it even if they wanted to makes me cross.
And I said it about the first one and I'll say it about this one too, it would be nice for not all their sex scenes to happen off-screen or in a fade to black moment.
Still, that's a minor quibble and it does mean these books can meet a wider audience.
August 22, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contain spoilers* ⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
We are now three years forward after the previous book. Simon Murray (30) and now retired from the AFL Declan ‘Dec’ Tyler (30? 31?). Simon is now a development of programs with queer content for a community television station ( QueerSports ) and Declan is a football commentator. They are in love, in peace and just wants to be left alone with their family. However, universe has other plans. Greg Heyward, Declan’s ex-partner has decided to out himself (and retiring) and drag Declan and Simon back in the spotlight to gain more attention. Unfortunately, he's telling lies and puts Simon in a bad light. Will Declan do anything about it? Or will he let the world believe the lies?
“It’s great to be the good guy. But sometimes good guys get really fucked over, and they need to be heard.” I cradled his cheek in my hand, my thumb rasping against his stubble. “But I don’t need you to defend me. Sure, I hate what’s being said. But a lot of shit was said about you and me both when you were outed, and we survived that. This is nothing in comparison.”
Truth be told, I wasn't sure if I were going to continuing the series, however I struggle so damn much lately with finding books to read, so I just thought why the hell not finish this series before I start the struggle of finding something else to read. ‘Tigerland’ was as I expected; predictable, boring at times and little action. Book #1 was pretty much the same, so it wasn't a surprise. It's nice to see Declan and Simon more out but it still feels like they are holding back, or at least Simon, because he's afraid to show too much PDA because of peoples view of gay couples. It's getting a bit on my nerves. I mean, everyone knows they're a couple, partners, and still they hide? I'd say go all the way, once you have started. Not much has changed, though, from first book to this one. The characters have grown a bit, their relationship is stronger, but other than that, they are the same. Overall, it was worth reading sure, but not something I'd read again or whatever. On to the last one.
This is for those times when I want to take his hand, or he wants to take mine, but we don’t feel safe enough. This is for those times other couples get to take for granted, but we have to snatch in limited amounts when they become available to us. This is for those times when I can’t do such a simple thing as hold the hand of Dec as the tiniest gesture of affection and to show him how much I love him.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (A) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Two
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Declan ‘Dec’ Tyler.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Unsure.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5/2 stars.
August 19, 2018
Edited to include Audio review: The Blogger Girls
EBook Review:
Did this live up to the first book? Absolutely, 100% yes!!! I frickin' loved it!
It has been a long time since I've read Tigers and Devils and was worried I would not remember a lot of the secondary characters and feel lost while catching back up with Declan and Simon. It was an unfounded fear because I was instantly re-immersed into this couples extraordinary story. Be still my beating heart. Simon and Declan will forever remain two of my all time favorite hero's.
What I loved about it: Everything
What I disliked: Nothing
Audio Review:
I’d read the Tigers & Devils series more than once and have loved it more and more with each read. So much so, on a recent trip to Australia, I’d actually attended an AFL game, proudly wearing my team colors scarf, which started me back on my kick of a total series reread. Or, in this case, a first time audiobook listen and review. I admit, I was concerned when I’d picked up the first book and the narrator had an American accent. That immediately took the wind out of my sails, and within minutes, I put it down. I just could not ruin the image in my mind with that voice. Nothing against the narrator personally, he just didn’t fit the scene. I noticed the narrator for the next two books was a different narrator and so I sampled Tigerland, loved the accent, and here I am.
I can safely say, with my trip to Oz, my first hand experience at a footy game, fully admiring the legs and butts on these athletes, that I now have a brand new appreciation for Declan Tyler. He was portrayed as a man with a body made for sin and a heart of gold, but the narrator brought the image in my head to life with his amazing performance. As much as I loved Declan, I have to admit, David Gillies took Simon Murphy to a whole new level. I liked Simon, I really did, but this performance made me absolutely love him. I much preferred his voice of Simon over any other character and now Simon has supplanted Declan as my favorite. See what happened here? A book you love, turned into an audio, can take that love and elevate in ways you never imagined.
If you have never read this series, and I am well aware it is a few years old, take my word and read it. And if you want the true Aussie experience, pick up the audiobook for Tigerland. I guarantee you will thank me.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I purchased my own, personal copy of this audiobook for review.*
EBook Review:
Did this live up to the first book? Absolutely, 100% yes!!! I frickin' loved it!
It has been a long time since I've read Tigers and Devils and was worried I would not remember a lot of the secondary characters and feel lost while catching back up with Declan and Simon. It was an unfounded fear because I was instantly re-immersed into this couples extraordinary story. Be still my beating heart. Simon and Declan will forever remain two of my all time favorite hero's.
What I loved about it: Everything
What I disliked: Nothing
Audio Review:
I’d read the Tigers & Devils series more than once and have loved it more and more with each read. So much so, on a recent trip to Australia, I’d actually attended an AFL game, proudly wearing my team colors scarf, which started me back on my kick of a total series reread. Or, in this case, a first time audiobook listen and review. I admit, I was concerned when I’d picked up the first book and the narrator had an American accent. That immediately took the wind out of my sails, and within minutes, I put it down. I just could not ruin the image in my mind with that voice. Nothing against the narrator personally, he just didn’t fit the scene. I noticed the narrator for the next two books was a different narrator and so I sampled Tigerland, loved the accent, and here I am.
I can safely say, with my trip to Oz, my first hand experience at a footy game, fully admiring the legs and butts on these athletes, that I now have a brand new appreciation for Declan Tyler. He was portrayed as a man with a body made for sin and a heart of gold, but the narrator brought the image in my head to life with his amazing performance. As much as I loved Declan, I have to admit, David Gillies took Simon Murphy to a whole new level. I liked Simon, I really did, but this performance made me absolutely love him. I much preferred his voice of Simon over any other character and now Simon has supplanted Declan as my favorite. See what happened here? A book you love, turned into an audio, can take that love and elevate in ways you never imagined.
If you have never read this series, and I am well aware it is a few years old, take my word and read it. And if you want the true Aussie experience, pick up the audiobook for Tigerland. I guarantee you will thank me.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I purchased my own, personal copy of this audiobook for review.*
June 10, 2017
3.5 Stars
I've not made it a secret that I really don't mind, and sometimes love, revisiting established couples, and this was actually a great look at Declan and Simon a few years later. It is still full of genius, topical, fantastic humor, where I literally burst out laughing throughout reading this - mostly due to Simon's reactionary thoughts and both the intentional and unintentional compromising situations he gets himself into.
Again, despite the gawd awful, fade to black (yes, I'm indignant), this showcased how strong Simon and Declan are despite the new roadblocks they hit in their lives, but thankfully not in their relationship. There's also a huge appreciation for all of their friends. Fran and Roger in their crazy awesomeness. Lisa and Abe in their devout loyalty. Add in Simon's tactless, wacky family and genius assistant, and this really makes for a fun read.
So overall, I liked this more than Tigers and Devils. Through some terrific comedy, it was relatable, it was smart, and it made me go awwwww, as these two realize what's really important, and of course come out the other side all the better to tackle the next challenge that comes their way.
I've not made it a secret that I really don't mind, and sometimes love, revisiting established couples, and this was actually a great look at Declan and Simon a few years later. It is still full of genius, topical, fantastic humor, where I literally burst out laughing throughout reading this - mostly due to Simon's reactionary thoughts and both the intentional and unintentional compromising situations he gets himself into.
Again, despite the gawd awful, fade to black (yes, I'm indignant), this showcased how strong Simon and Declan are despite the new roadblocks they hit in their lives, but thankfully not in their relationship. There's also a huge appreciation for all of their friends. Fran and Roger in their crazy awesomeness. Lisa and Abe in their devout loyalty. Add in Simon's tactless, wacky family and genius assistant, and this really makes for a fun read.
So overall, I liked this more than Tigers and Devils. Through some terrific comedy, it was relatable, it was smart, and it made me go awwwww, as these two realize what's really important, and of course come out the other side all the better to tackle the next challenge that comes their way.
January 16, 2015
Really great second installment
more Melbourne
more AFL
more Love
Very enjoyable. Love it even more than the first book.
Again lots of Melbourne and its life and people and culture. Again I really enjoyed the author's descriptions of life in Melbourne, the love for the sport of Australian Rules football the people have and the expressions they use.
I live in Melbourne and I love Melbourne and everything in the book is very true.
I loved Dec and Simon and further development of their relationship and teaming up when it gets tough. Similar to the first book the sex in this book is not explicit. While the guys do have sex, it is subtle and the emphasis is on their relationship. And Dec and Simon's relationship is worth begin in awe of.
Overall really great. Humor, angst, friends, love and absolute feel good. Recommended.
more Melbourne
more AFL
more Love
Very enjoyable. Love it even more than the first book.
Again lots of Melbourne and its life and people and culture. Again I really enjoyed the author's descriptions of life in Melbourne, the love for the sport of Australian Rules football the people have and the expressions they use.
I live in Melbourne and I love Melbourne and everything in the book is very true.
I loved Dec and Simon and further development of their relationship and teaming up when it gets tough. Similar to the first book the sex in this book is not explicit. While the guys do have sex, it is subtle and the emphasis is on their relationship. And Dec and Simon's relationship is worth begin in awe of.
Overall really great. Humor, angst, friends, love and absolute feel good. Recommended.
October 17, 2012
Good to see Simon and Declan back and strong. Kennedy has a wonderfully snarky sense of humor and it shined through again in Simon. While I enjoyed it, it didn't quite carry the impact of Tigers and Devils. All the pieces were there, but something fell short for me. No matter. Still a great read.
November 13, 2015
4.5 stars (round up or down?)
I love Simon and Declan! I have no clue why I hadn't read this sooner. I guess I was afraid it couldn't live up to the first book. While I did like Tigers and Devils more, this is still an excellent story. No unnecessary misunderstandings or stupid men tricks. Just another slice of Simon and Declan's crazy life. I think I'll start book 3 next. :D
I love Simon and Declan! I have no clue why I hadn't read this sooner. I guess I was afraid it couldn't live up to the first book. While I did like Tigers and Devils more, this is still an excellent story. No unnecessary misunderstandings or stupid men tricks. Just another slice of Simon and Declan's crazy life. I think I'll start book 3 next. :D
July 18, 2015
5.0 Stars
Wow. I have to say, I was more than a little apprehensive about reading this book. I thought Tigers and Devils was an amazing story and, frankly, I worried that the sequel would pale in comparison. Well, I couldn't be happier to have been so very wrong!
It's three years later when we catch up with Declan and Simon. Declan is retired from the AFL and works as a footy commentator while Simon produces gay content programs for a community television station. Roger and Fran are desperately trying (unsuccessfully) to conceive and Abe (who also retired) and Lisa are splitsville. Nyssa found herself a boyfriend and moved to New Zealand. After the debacle of Declan's coming out, he and Simon have managed (for the most part) to stay out of the spotlight. That all changes, however, when Declan's a$$hole ex, Greg Heyward, outs himself in a transparent bid for attention. While Declan insists on maintaining a dignified silence in the face of Greg's lies and shameless ploys for attention, Simon feels that Declan should speak out. Inevitably, they are once again caught up in a media frenzy and forced to ride out the storm together.
Tigerland was absolutely wonderful. I LOVED hanging out with Declan, Simon, and the crew. Although I missed Nyssa, Coby seemed alright. Tigerland was not as angst-filled as Tigers and Devils but tremendously entertaining nonetheless. Roger and Fran's struggles were heartbreaking. And, although we weren't privy to the details surrounding Abe and Lisa's separation, I was rooting for their reconciliation all the way. As usual, Simon's antics were side-splittingly funny and had me in stitches. The spy scene outside the coffee shop? I swear, I almost peed myself! And, Declan Tyler? What can I say? He is a bona fide hero in my book. I ADORE him!!! When Declan stood up for Simon , I fell head-over-heels in love ... again. Christian Grey??? Gimme a break. I'll take Declan Tyler any day and twice on Sunday!
Bottom line: A cherished sequel to this beloved series. Highly recommend!
Wow. I have to say, I was more than a little apprehensive about reading this book. I thought Tigers and Devils was an amazing story and, frankly, I worried that the sequel would pale in comparison. Well, I couldn't be happier to have been so very wrong!
It's three years later when we catch up with Declan and Simon. Declan is retired from the AFL and works as a footy commentator while Simon produces gay content programs for a community television station. Roger and Fran are desperately trying (unsuccessfully) to conceive and Abe (who also retired) and Lisa are splitsville. Nyssa found herself a boyfriend and moved to New Zealand. After the debacle of Declan's coming out, he and Simon have managed (for the most part) to stay out of the spotlight. That all changes, however, when Declan's a$$hole ex, Greg Heyward, outs himself in a transparent bid for attention. While Declan insists on maintaining a dignified silence in the face of Greg's lies and shameless ploys for attention, Simon feels that Declan should speak out. Inevitably, they are once again caught up in a media frenzy and forced to ride out the storm together.
Tigerland was absolutely wonderful. I LOVED hanging out with Declan, Simon, and the crew. Although I missed Nyssa, Coby seemed alright. Tigerland was not as angst-filled as Tigers and Devils but tremendously entertaining nonetheless. Roger and Fran's struggles were heartbreaking. And, although we weren't privy to the details surrounding Abe and Lisa's separation, I was rooting for their reconciliation all the way. As usual, Simon's antics were side-splittingly funny and had me in stitches. The spy scene outside the coffee shop? I swear, I almost peed myself! And, Declan Tyler? What can I say? He is a bona fide hero in my book. I ADORE him!!! When Declan stood up for Simon , I fell head-over-heels in love ... again. Christian Grey??? Gimme a break. I'll take Declan Tyler any day and twice on Sunday!
Bottom line: A cherished sequel to this beloved series. Highly recommend!
December 31, 2012
Sure he's like a brother.
Sure I pushed and badgered and bullied him into writing the sequel to T&D and then on getting it published.
Sure I read the gazillion drafts of Tigerland and dropped some pearls of wisdom... when I wasn't in hospital and doped up on meds for being Teh Cray-cray.
Still, what the hell was he thinking?!
To write about a relationship which has actually moved on and grown 3 years down the track?
To continue to write about the things that can challenge relationships and friendships in everyday and the not-so-everyday life?
To have the audacity to write about characters who have matured?
I mean, seriously?? Why even bother trying to portray any kind of couple in a 'normal' world, especially a gay couple?
What about the gay utopia? What about the Big M? What about them breaking up, or fighting over marriage equality or over needing to have more gay friends, or making one of the MCs cheat or get bitten by a werewolfor zombie, or actually, I don't know, FUCKING?!!!!
Is that really too much to ask??
A complete waste of time and money. Don't even bother... unless you're actually the kind of reader who likes the crappy character and storyline development thing.
Losers.
PS - Apologies for all the question marks, but this one really got my rant on.
Sure I pushed and badgered and bullied him into writing the sequel to T&D and then on getting it published.
Sure I read the gazillion drafts of Tigerland and dropped some pearls of wisdom... when I wasn't in hospital and doped up on meds for being Teh Cray-cray.
Still, what the hell was he thinking?!
To write about a relationship which has actually moved on and grown 3 years down the track?
To continue to write about the things that can challenge relationships and friendships in everyday and the not-so-everyday life?
To have the audacity to write about characters who have matured?
I mean, seriously?? Why even bother trying to portray any kind of couple in a 'normal' world, especially a gay couple?
What about the gay utopia? What about the Big M? What about them breaking up, or fighting over marriage equality or over needing to have more gay friends, or making one of the MCs cheat or get bitten by a werewolf
Is that really too much to ask??
A complete waste of time and money. Don't even bother... unless you're actually the kind of reader who likes the crappy character and storyline development thing.
Losers.
PS - Apologies for all the question marks, but this one really got my rant on.
November 2, 2012
Simon and Declan started their fantastic, shy, closeted, forcibly out journey in Tigers and Devils and it continues in Tigerland. This is another slice/continuation of their life. A sometimes hypothetical life, but written so well that everything is plausible. I love this couple with all their flaws and the incredible love they eventually show each other. Plus, Simon's snarky comments and Declan's propriety and how he wants everyone to follow his high code of moral ethics. Sean writes everything with a realistic point of view yet some of the situations are absolute nutty or slapstick or preposterous. And he gets away with it beautifully! Of course Fran and Roger are the best supporting actors along with Lisa and Abe. For me it started somewhat slowly and picked up as it went along. OBVIOUSLY this is not their last chapter, HINT, HINT, HINT!!!!!
October 21, 2012
4.5
What can I say about this book! First, SIMON...oh SIMON, I don't have enough appendages to count how many ways I absolutely love him. His snark can keep me going for hours. My concern with sequels is that sometimes the voices of the MCs seem to change and it's almost a totally different couple, I am happy to report that Simon and Declan are still Simon and Declan.
The storyline was well thought out and full of character development. We still had families and friends fully integrated and I still loved seeing them deal with what life had to throw their way.
I'm a cat with cream after reading this and am so glad the author revisited this couple!
What can I say about this book! First, SIMON...oh SIMON, I don't have enough appendages to count how many ways I absolutely love him. His snark can keep me going for hours. My concern with sequels is that sometimes the voices of the MCs seem to change and it's almost a totally different couple, I am happy to report that Simon and Declan are still Simon and Declan.
The storyline was well thought out and full of character development. We still had families and friends fully integrated and I still loved seeing them deal with what life had to throw their way.
I'm a cat with cream after reading this and am so glad the author revisited this couple!
October 15, 2012
Thank you Mr. Kennedy for another great story!
This story is very different than the first one. The MC's are in different occupations than they were before and are now a couple. The dynamics are different. Just like the beginning suggests,there is a deeper story involved than the one that appears at first sight. Very well done. As always, I loved the snark! =D
Thanks again.
Happy Reading GR.land!
This story is very different than the first one. The MC's are in different occupations than they were before and are now a couple. The dynamics are different. Just like the beginning suggests,there is a deeper story involved than the one that appears at first sight. Very well done. As always, I loved the snark! =D
Thanks again.
Happy Reading GR.land!
April 2, 2024
Re-read
I actually bumped my rating up from a 4 to a 5 after re-reading this one.
I still love Simon and Declan still bugs me, but I love them together.
What I love most about this series and its spinoff is how well we get to know all of the characters, and we see their journey over multiple years. I absolutely love story worlds that feel this detailed and immersive.
I actually bumped my rating up from a 4 to a 5 after re-reading this one.
I still love Simon and Declan still bugs me, but I love them together.
What I love most about this series and its spinoff is how well we get to know all of the characters, and we see their journey over multiple years. I absolutely love story worlds that feel this detailed and immersive.
October 22, 2012
ARC from author for review (and enjoyment)
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Sequel to Tigers and Devils
After an eventful and sometimes uncomfortably public courtship, Simon Murray and Declan Tyler settled into a comfortable life together. Now retired from the AFL, Declan works as a football commentator; Simon develops programs with queer content for a community television station.
Despite their public professional lives, Simon and Declan manage to keep their private life out of the spotlight. Their major concerns revolve around supporting their friends through infertility and relationship problems—until Greg Heyward, Declan’s ex-partner, outs himself in a transparent bid for attention.
Though Simon and Declan are furious with Greg and his media antics, they can’t agree on what to do about it. Declan insists they should maintain a dignified silence, but both he and Simon keep getting drawn into Heyward’s games. Simon and Declan will once again have to ride out the media storm before they can return their attention to what really matters: each other.
What worked for me (and what didn't): It's always a bit nerve-wracking for me when a favourite author puts out a sequel to a beloved book. After all, what happens if I don't like it? Fortunately, I didn't have to find out in this case. Tigerland is fun, romantic and full of classic Simon Murray humour, although 5 years with Declan has softened him (just a little). I don't think Tigerland is quite as good as Tigers & Devils, but that is kind of like saying The Dark Knight Rises isn't quite as good as The Dark Knight - I mean, nothing was going to live up to that and it would be unfair to even think it. I blame Heath Ledger.
Tigerland picks up 3 years after the events in Tigers & Devils. Declan has retired after injury put an early end to his career (as captain of Essendon - go the Bombers!! (that was from my husband who bows down to the altar of James Hird - I quite understand, I have similar feelings, albeit for different reasons... ahem, moving on). Declan has moved into the commentary box and even Simon has moved into television production in Community TV, with responsibility for 4 shows, including one called QueerSports. They are happy together, settled and waiting for the day when they can be legally married in Australia (aren't we all guys, aren't we all). Simon's relationship with his family has improved (not least due to Declan's influence; they are all, apart from Simon, mad keen Essendon supporters and hello, Dec was their captain). There might be a shrine in the Murray household. Fran and Roger are happy together but Abe and Lisa are separated and Simon and Dec are hoping for them to reconcile.
Then Grey Heyward, Simon's nemesis one of Simon's nemeses from T&D decides to retire from football, come out as gay and reveal his previous relationship with Dec (possibly with intimate details) and the media shitstorm commences.
What nearly tore them apart in T&D was all the adverse media attention after Declan's outing and neither Simon nor Dec are excited about going through it again.
It says something special about Simon that the main reason he detests Heyward is the damage he caused Dec - it's nothing so simple as jealousy.
I hadn’t seen him in person since that night at the Brownlows, and only on television or the net since then, but his image was forever burned into my brain. Declan’s infamous ex, the one that had cheated on him and kept him even further in the closet and succeeded at being the only person who ever really made Dec feel shitty about himself… there he was, walking along the street like some character in a cartoon, musical notes flying out of his mouth as he whistled merrily to himself without a care in the world.
One of my "fears" when diving into the book was whether Simon and Dec would split up during the course of it - could I cope if my favourite Australian gay couple broke up, even if only for a little while (Sean Kennedy knows the romance contract - I trust him not to break it, but still)? I'm pleased to say they don't. (I hope that's not too spoilery - I checked with a friend and she thought not, so blame her not me! - this, in football parlance is called "the handball"). There is tension in their relationship. It is tested and strained, but never broken. And that made me very happy. But, it also meant that, to some degree it was less satisfying than T&D because the conflict was a little familiar and wasn't as significant. It's not just me who thinks so. As Simon himself says:
"...But a lot of shit was said about you and me both when you were outed, and we survived that. This is nothing in comparison.”
(Simon was exaggerating somewhat here. It certainly wasn't "nothing").
Roger and Fran face a challenge in this book as well. I can't tell you how glad I am that it wasn't solved with magical rainbows and sparkly butterflies. I'm sure that one way or another Roger and Fran will realise their dream but I did appreciate the sensitivity shown here by Simon (and by extension, the author).
Even after 5 years together, Simon and Dec still go at it like bunnies. But because Simon and Dec are very private people, the lights are off (at least to us readers) and the door is firmly shut. While I have some (entirely inappropriate) curiosities about their love life, it suits the book and the characters for this to be so. There's plenty of romance and affection and dialogue which show the depth of this couple's relationship. To sex it up would have done them a disservice I think. Even though I'm usually pretty happy to read about sexing it up. There are exceptions to every rule, as they say.
Simon, a self-described "Eeyore" is a funny guy. Even when he's miserable, he has a way of describing things which make me laugh. Here are a couple of "Simon-ism's" to whet your appetite.
“We’re super,” I said, and internally winced. Why on earth did I keep coming out with that? Soon I’d be riding on bicycles with the Famous Five, enjoying lashings of ginger beer and racially profiling gypsies.
and
“Really?” I asked, idly wishing that my life was like a wua-hua film so I could throw my letter opener at him and stab him in the forehead.
I did find myself asking if the media would be quite as interested in a relationship Heyward and Dec had had some 6 years earlier. But, the media are weird. It's not quite as salacious as when Wayne Carey porked his teammate's wife in a cupboard at a party (true story) but when Kurt Tippett decided to defect (the traitor!) to Sydney from the Crows everyone here went nuts, so really, it could happen.
The book is peculiarly Australian - there are plenty of references to Australian TV shows, sights and culture which I wonder if non-Australian readers will fully understand. But as I am an Australian it didn't bother me at all.
It saddened me to realise that Simon and Dec had to be so careful about something as innocuous as holding hands in public. It's not a reality that heterosexual couples encounter. Simon and Dec are welcome to visit me anytime and they can hold hands as much as they want to at my place. Hug even.
Simon, as usual, gets himself into a series of sticky situations which made me laugh out loud. It was a pleasure to spend time with these people again. It felt like visiting old friends. Oh, how I had missed them. Note to Sean Kennedy: When marriage equality finally makes it Down Under, will you please write a short story another book so we can see Simon and Declan get married?
What else? You really need to have read Tigers & Devils before reading Tigerland. I read T&D before I started writing reviews but one of these days I will do a re-read and be more explicit about why it's so excellent. In the meantime, just trust me. Go read them both.
Grade: B/B+
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
What it's about: (from Goodreads) Sequel to Tigers and Devils
After an eventful and sometimes uncomfortably public courtship, Simon Murray and Declan Tyler settled into a comfortable life together. Now retired from the AFL, Declan works as a football commentator; Simon develops programs with queer content for a community television station.
Despite their public professional lives, Simon and Declan manage to keep their private life out of the spotlight. Their major concerns revolve around supporting their friends through infertility and relationship problems—until Greg Heyward, Declan’s ex-partner, outs himself in a transparent bid for attention.
Though Simon and Declan are furious with Greg and his media antics, they can’t agree on what to do about it. Declan insists they should maintain a dignified silence, but both he and Simon keep getting drawn into Heyward’s games. Simon and Declan will once again have to ride out the media storm before they can return their attention to what really matters: each other.
What worked for me (and what didn't): It's always a bit nerve-wracking for me when a favourite author puts out a sequel to a beloved book. After all, what happens if I don't like it? Fortunately, I didn't have to find out in this case. Tigerland is fun, romantic and full of classic Simon Murray humour, although 5 years with Declan has softened him (just a little). I don't think Tigerland is quite as good as Tigers & Devils, but that is kind of like saying The Dark Knight Rises isn't quite as good as The Dark Knight - I mean, nothing was going to live up to that and it would be unfair to even think it. I blame Heath Ledger.
Tigerland picks up 3 years after the events in Tigers & Devils. Declan has retired after injury put an early end to his career (as captain of Essendon - go the Bombers!! (that was from my husband who bows down to the altar of James Hird - I quite understand, I have similar feelings, albeit for different reasons... ahem, moving on). Declan has moved into the commentary box and even Simon has moved into television production in Community TV, with responsibility for 4 shows, including one called QueerSports. They are happy together, settled and waiting for the day when they can be legally married in Australia (aren't we all guys, aren't we all). Simon's relationship with his family has improved (not least due to Declan's influence; they are all, apart from Simon, mad keen Essendon supporters and hello, Dec was their captain). There might be a shrine in the Murray household. Fran and Roger are happy together but Abe and Lisa are separated and Simon and Dec are hoping for them to reconcile.
Then Grey Heyward, Simon's nemesis one of Simon's nemeses from T&D decides to retire from football, come out as gay and reveal his previous relationship with Dec (possibly with intimate details) and the media shitstorm commences.
What nearly tore them apart in T&D was all the adverse media attention after Declan's outing and neither Simon nor Dec are excited about going through it again.
It says something special about Simon that the main reason he detests Heyward is the damage he caused Dec - it's nothing so simple as jealousy.
I hadn’t seen him in person since that night at the Brownlows, and only on television or the net since then, but his image was forever burned into my brain. Declan’s infamous ex, the one that had cheated on him and kept him even further in the closet and succeeded at being the only person who ever really made Dec feel shitty about himself… there he was, walking along the street like some character in a cartoon, musical notes flying out of his mouth as he whistled merrily to himself without a care in the world.
One of my "fears" when diving into the book was whether Simon and Dec would split up during the course of it - could I cope if my favourite Australian gay couple broke up, even if only for a little while (Sean Kennedy knows the romance contract - I trust him not to break it, but still)? I'm pleased to say they don't. (I hope that's not too spoilery - I checked with a friend and she thought not, so blame her not me! - this, in football parlance is called "the handball"). There is tension in their relationship. It is tested and strained, but never broken. And that made me very happy. But, it also meant that, to some degree it was less satisfying than T&D because the conflict was a little familiar and wasn't as significant. It's not just me who thinks so. As Simon himself says:
"...But a lot of shit was said about you and me both when you were outed, and we survived that. This is nothing in comparison.”
(Simon was exaggerating somewhat here. It certainly wasn't "nothing").
Roger and Fran face a challenge in this book as well. I can't tell you how glad I am that it wasn't solved with magical rainbows and sparkly butterflies. I'm sure that one way or another Roger and Fran will realise their dream but I did appreciate the sensitivity shown here by Simon (and by extension, the author).
Even after 5 years together, Simon and Dec still go at it like bunnies. But because Simon and Dec are very private people, the lights are off (at least to us readers) and the door is firmly shut. While I have some (entirely inappropriate) curiosities about their love life, it suits the book and the characters for this to be so. There's plenty of romance and affection and dialogue which show the depth of this couple's relationship. To sex it up would have done them a disservice I think. Even though I'm usually pretty happy to read about sexing it up. There are exceptions to every rule, as they say.
Simon, a self-described "Eeyore" is a funny guy. Even when he's miserable, he has a way of describing things which make me laugh. Here are a couple of "Simon-ism's" to whet your appetite.
“We’re super,” I said, and internally winced. Why on earth did I keep coming out with that? Soon I’d be riding on bicycles with the Famous Five, enjoying lashings of ginger beer and racially profiling gypsies.
and
“Really?” I asked, idly wishing that my life was like a wua-hua film so I could throw my letter opener at him and stab him in the forehead.
I did find myself asking if the media would be quite as interested in a relationship Heyward and Dec had had some 6 years earlier. But, the media are weird. It's not quite as salacious as when Wayne Carey porked his teammate's wife in a cupboard at a party (true story) but when Kurt Tippett decided to defect (the traitor!) to Sydney from the Crows everyone here went nuts, so really, it could happen.
The book is peculiarly Australian - there are plenty of references to Australian TV shows, sights and culture which I wonder if non-Australian readers will fully understand. But as I am an Australian it didn't bother me at all.
It saddened me to realise that Simon and Dec had to be so careful about something as innocuous as holding hands in public. It's not a reality that heterosexual couples encounter. Simon and Dec are welcome to visit me anytime and they can hold hands as much as they want to at my place. Hug even.
Simon, as usual, gets himself into a series of sticky situations which made me laugh out loud. It was a pleasure to spend time with these people again. It felt like visiting old friends. Oh, how I had missed them. Note to Sean Kennedy: When marriage equality finally makes it Down Under, will you please write a short story another book so we can see Simon and Declan get married?
What else? You really need to have read Tigers & Devils before reading Tigerland. I read T&D before I started writing reviews but one of these days I will do a re-read and be more explicit about why it's so excellent. In the meantime, just trust me. Go read them both.
Grade: B/B+
http://kaetrinsmusings.blogspot.com.a...
October 17, 2012
4.5
Often with sequels to books that I adored I fear that furthering the story will lessen my love of the first book and characters. A strange fear I know so I went into this book on tenderhooks.
I loved it.
It was the Simon, Declan and gang that I knew and loved from Tigers and Devils the same but different. Not static characters here but definite growth over time. I loved how secure Simon and Declan were in their relationship. A real change from the honeymoon phase we saw in the first book and a welcome change here as they made real effort to communicate with each other.
Simon is the best character, his narration is peppered with pop culture references that had me laughing again and again. He may not be mature but he's definitely grown up and trying his hardest to make adult decisions. It was just so lovely to read it. No matter this new layer to him he is still has the snark that I love, love loved from the first book.
We really worked for me in this book were the struggles that Fran and Roger were experiencing. It felt real and heartfelt. The story for Lisa and Abe worked less for me, it seemed more like manufactured angst and I never did come to understand what pulled those characters apart and what drew them back together. Still it was great to see the gang all back.
Simon and Declan are in a great place with each other. Like the first book there are forces that try to pull them apart, in this case, it's Declan previous lover, Greg Heyward. Heyward was also a football player and decides to come out as he's retiring. This causes problems for our dynamic duo as Heyward begins telling tales about his and Declan's previous romantic relationship. This throws Simon and Declan back into an unforgiving public eye but they've weathered that storm before and face this as a stronger couple.
I love Declan, don't get me wrong, but he made a few decisions here that frustrated me. Mostly because he's a good guy and didn't want to lower himself to Heyward's level. I can't fault him for that but I really wanted him to blast Heyward's lies.
This was a wonderful sequel. One that really gave me more story to these characters that I missed. It's so well written and fun but gave real depth and new layers to these two men who fought so hard to be together in the first book.
This is not a standalone. You really need to read the first in the series to know these characters and appreciate how they got where they are now. Highly recommended!
Often with sequels to books that I adored I fear that furthering the story will lessen my love of the first book and characters. A strange fear I know so I went into this book on tenderhooks.
I loved it.
It was the Simon, Declan and gang that I knew and loved from Tigers and Devils the same but different. Not static characters here but definite growth over time. I loved how secure Simon and Declan were in their relationship. A real change from the honeymoon phase we saw in the first book and a welcome change here as they made real effort to communicate with each other.
Simon is the best character, his narration is peppered with pop culture references that had me laughing again and again. He may not be mature but he's definitely grown up and trying his hardest to make adult decisions. It was just so lovely to read it. No matter this new layer to him he is still has the snark that I love, love loved from the first book.
We really worked for me in this book were the struggles that Fran and Roger were experiencing. It felt real and heartfelt. The story for Lisa and Abe worked less for me, it seemed more like manufactured angst and I never did come to understand what pulled those characters apart and what drew them back together. Still it was great to see the gang all back.
Simon and Declan are in a great place with each other. Like the first book there are forces that try to pull them apart, in this case, it's Declan previous lover, Greg Heyward. Heyward was also a football player and decides to come out as he's retiring. This causes problems for our dynamic duo as Heyward begins telling tales about his and Declan's previous romantic relationship. This throws Simon and Declan back into an unforgiving public eye but they've weathered that storm before and face this as a stronger couple.
I love Declan, don't get me wrong, but he made a few decisions here that frustrated me. Mostly because he's a good guy and didn't want to lower himself to Heyward's level. I can't fault him for that but I really wanted him to blast Heyward's lies.
This was a wonderful sequel. One that really gave me more story to these characters that I missed. It's so well written and fun but gave real depth and new layers to these two men who fought so hard to be together in the first book.
This is not a standalone. You really need to read the first in the series to know these characters and appreciate how they got where they are now. Highly recommended!
March 18, 2016
4 Stars
I had a lot of fun revisiting Simon and Declan (and their gang of awesome friends) several years after the events of Tigers and Devils. I loved seeing them both so comfortable and happy in their now firmly established relationship. I also truly appreciated the fact that all the drama that drove this story forward was coming from sources outside of Simon and Dec’s solid and trust-filled relationship, and at no point did anything (or anyone) truly jeopardised their state of happy coupledom. This was a great relief, as there really isn’t anything I dislike more in my romance sequels than unnecessary relationship angst.
I’ll be the first to admit that I kind of adore Simon Murray, our protagonist and narrator, with his snarky, sarcastic wit, and his (mostly exaggerated) cynicism. This guy just gets me; he’s basically my spirit animal (if my spirit animal was a person). I relate to practically everything about his personality (barring the whole gay man thing – pish, semantics). I love that nothing of great importance really even needs to be going on within the storyline for me to be fully entertained by this guy and his everyday thoughts. I could very happily read about him forever.
This series has so much going for it; everything from great characters and quality writing, to a sense of humour that never lets up. Even more so than its predecessor, the laughs here were genuine and plentiful. I’ve also got to show some appreciation and applaud all of the excellent pop culture jokes and references which were so expertly delivered throughout the course of this story. I had a lot of fun reading this book, which was made evident by the ridiculous amount of highlighting that occurred.
Lastly, I really really love the author's detailed and accurate representation of Melbourne. It may simply be because I too am a proud Melburnian, but I feel like the city is in a sense its own character within this series. I fricken love that! It’s like my own comprehensive knowledge of the city assists in the book-to-brain visualisation process, and I love understanding and relating to every single Melbourne specific reference – I feel like I’m in on a joke that not every reader gets to be a part of, and I like it.
I had a lot of fun revisiting Simon and Declan (and their gang of awesome friends) several years after the events of Tigers and Devils. I loved seeing them both so comfortable and happy in their now firmly established relationship. I also truly appreciated the fact that all the drama that drove this story forward was coming from sources outside of Simon and Dec’s solid and trust-filled relationship, and at no point did anything (or anyone) truly jeopardised their state of happy coupledom. This was a great relief, as there really isn’t anything I dislike more in my romance sequels than unnecessary relationship angst.
I’ll be the first to admit that I kind of adore Simon Murray, our protagonist and narrator, with his snarky, sarcastic wit, and his (mostly exaggerated) cynicism. This guy just gets me; he’s basically my spirit animal (if my spirit animal was a person). I relate to practically everything about his personality (barring the whole gay man thing – pish, semantics). I love that nothing of great importance really even needs to be going on within the storyline for me to be fully entertained by this guy and his everyday thoughts. I could very happily read about him forever.
This series has so much going for it; everything from great characters and quality writing, to a sense of humour that never lets up. Even more so than its predecessor, the laughs here were genuine and plentiful. I’ve also got to show some appreciation and applaud all of the excellent pop culture jokes and references which were so expertly delivered throughout the course of this story. I had a lot of fun reading this book, which was made evident by the ridiculous amount of highlighting that occurred.
Lastly, I really really love the author's detailed and accurate representation of Melbourne. It may simply be because I too am a proud Melburnian, but I feel like the city is in a sense its own character within this series. I fricken love that! It’s like my own comprehensive knowledge of the city assists in the book-to-brain visualisation process, and I love understanding and relating to every single Melbourne specific reference – I feel like I’m in on a joke that not every reader gets to be a part of, and I like it.
June 7, 2013
Wow this book was really great, I loved catching up with Dec and Simon while they were in a grown up relationship. I loved the story and was glad they overcame all the obstacles that were put in their way. I found myself expecting what came out towards the end of the book.
The beginning of the book was a bit of a shock but things worked out in the end with that. I loved the scene with Dec, Abe and Simon it was funny to see how Simon ended up on the wrong side of that argument. This book was another great one by Sean Kennedy and I cannot help but hope that there is another sequel one day :)
The beginning of the book was a bit of a shock but things worked out in the end with that. I loved the scene with Dec, Abe and Simon it was funny to see how Simon ended up on the wrong side of that argument. This book was another great one by Sean Kennedy and I cannot help but hope that there is another sequel one day :)
October 29, 2012
This book is a tough one to rate. I love Sean Kennedy's witty writing (I snorted out loud several times while reading this), and I loved spending more time with Simon and Declan. However, I didn't care for the plot, and it really dragged on as a result. Also, while I didn't mind the fade-to-black sex in the first book (which is one of my all-time favorites), I found myself wanting more intimacy between Simon and Dec in this one. So, a mixed bag for me, but I seem to be in the minority on that.
Want to read
October 15, 2012OMFG! I could scream right now I'm so excited! About freaking time! That's all I gotta say! And yayayayayayayayayayayay!!!!!!
October 19, 2016
I liked this a lot better than the first one. 5 stars
July 28, 2024
Simon and Declan, long may you continue
Well, here we are again. The Murray and Tyler household has settled down, the media attention has all but disappeared, and due to injury Dec is no longer playing Aussie Rules,
but has started life as a TV analyst/commentator, and in view of the events in the previous book, Simon has also changed jobs and now works in TV, albeit at a small station, making programmes for the gay community.
Enter stage right, Greg Heyward, erstwhile Aussie Rules footballer and creepy af ex boyfriend of Dec
, who has now decided to jump on the 'coming 'out' bandwagon (because he's seen how things have gone for Dec). I'm not going to give anything away again with this review, you'll have to buy the book for yourself, but how Mr Heyward and his cronies are dealt with is superb, and one of the meetings between Dec and Greg (watched from a van by Si, Roger & Fran in disguise
) is like a Keystone Cops moment and one of the funniest things I've ever read in a book. In the background, we have Fran and Roger's struggle to start a family
, Abe and Lisa's ongoing ups and downs in their relationship , Simon's brother's attempts to re-populate Australia, Simon's former assistant Nyssa and the sheep in New Zealand, and a newspaper hack called Jasper [slimy git, appears in book 1], who discovers what it's like to accept someone's word, and then have that person renege on it, even I felt sorry for him!Considering these are supposedly gay-lit books, there is very little sex, and there are no graphic descriptions of any kind, which makes a refreshing change, but when you've written two books as awesome as these, you don't need cheap sex scenes to sell them! These two books are fabulous, and will never be removed from my Kindle, I've laughed at them too much.
Many, many thanks Sean, my Wizard of Oz
December 9, 2016
It absolutely pains me to give this wonderful story 2 stars, because it's a five-star story and a one-star performance.
At first I was thrilled that DSP chose an Australian narrator to perform this lovely story. I was more than disappointed with DSP's choice of an American for the first book. But soon it became apparent that they had chosen this narrator simply because of his accent [edit: not American], not his skills. His voice was the high side of tenor, he had absolutely no vocal range, and I couldn't tell the difference between characters. I'm no Paul Morey fan, but at least he can do voices, which is so important in an audiobook. He [edit: Morey] did a great job in giving each character a noticeably different voice, especial Dec and Simon. Not so with Australian [edit: Scottish] narrator Dave Gillies. I DNFd the audiobook early on [edit: which is why I didn't identify the accent correctly] and returned it to Audible.
I recommend that readers/listeners avoid this one and instead read the book.
EDIT: Meant to correct my review quite some time ago. Gillies is a Scot and, while he might be great for stories set in the UK, this was a mistake for this story for the various reasons stated above.
At first I was thrilled that DSP chose an Australian narrator to perform this lovely story. I was more than disappointed with DSP's choice of an American for the first book. But soon it became apparent that they had chosen this narrator simply because of his accent [edit: not American], not his skills. His voice was the high side of tenor, he had absolutely no vocal range, and I couldn't tell the difference between characters. I'm no Paul Morey fan, but at least he can do voices, which is so important in an audiobook. He [edit: Morey] did a great job in giving each character a noticeably different voice, especial Dec and Simon. Not so with Australian [edit: Scottish] narrator Dave Gillies. I DNFd the audiobook early on [edit: which is why I didn't identify the accent correctly] and returned it to Audible.
I recommend that readers/listeners avoid this one and instead read the book.
EDIT: Meant to correct my review quite some time ago. Gillies is a Scot and, while he might be great for stories set in the UK, this was a mistake for this story for the various reasons stated above.
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