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Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
March 9, 2009
M/M Romance
Paperback, 376 Pages
Dreamspinner Press
Reviewed by Mandi
Why did I read: See below
Favorite Quote: His pinky finger stretched out and stroked the back of my hand. I stood there and let him do it. I wondered briefly if it made me slightly pathetic to find it extremely sexy, but I decided to go with it.
The first time I saw Tigers and Devils reviewed was on Well Read last year. At the time I thought, I definitely need to read this book. Fast forward a few months and the book made Jenre’s “best of” list for 2009. I still did not listen to her. Finally, a week or so ago, Janna from Erotic Romance Reader started tweeting how much she was enjoying the book. I said, darn it! It is my turn now – and do these girls know what they are talking about.
Tigers and Devils is simply terrific. I absolutely fell in love with the book, the characters, and the amazing writing style of Sean Kennedy.
Simon is a bit reminiscent of Adrien English, from Josh Lanyon. He is self deprecating, sarcastic, very sharp-tongued and lonely in the romance department. When he firsts meets Declan Tyler at a party, there is instant physical attraction. Declan is a very well-known rugby celebrity in Australia. He is not only one of the best players (although having an injury plagued season) but his good looks has earned him many endorsement deals. He is also very much in the closet, not only publicly but privately as well. Only a few select friends know he is gay, he hasn’t even told his parents.
Simon considers himself an “arty wanker” running an annual film festival and having a very close relationship with his cat. His only two friends are Roger and Fran, who play a very big role in this book. It is interesting to see the effect a serious boyfriend has on a other friendships. Roger could care less Simon is gay, but along comes a serious boyfriend and Roger freaks out. Although Simon can’t get over his good fortune and unlikely pairing with this attractive man, their relationship progresses. The first half of the book we watch as they learn about each other, during those first intense months of love and passion. They must work around Declan’s travelling and his need to keep their relationship a secret. What I found interesting is that Simon throughout is on board with not outing Declan. He becomes more stressed out than Declan any time they leave the privacy of their homes. Although Simon’s parents know he is gay, they are still not 100% down with it, so he gets coming out is not a simple matter. He gets that Declan has a public image, and he is not ready for that image to change.
But as life likes to do funny things to you, things always change. Declan and Simon’s relationship is put to the test when the public finds out. They both need to find ways on their own and together to deal with public and family pressure.
Tigers and Devils made me smile and laugh throughout the entire book. I adore the way Sean Kennedy writes – he really has a special voice. Although it is very romantic, the actual sex scenes are extremely light – so those who may be on the fence about reading a m/m romance – this is absolutely one you could try. This book is one of my favorites and I hope it finds its way to you.
Rating: 5/5
Recent Reviews:
Alpha Reader – 5/5
Well Read – Excellent
Erotic Romance Reader – 5/5
Read React Review – Strongly Recommend
Goodreads
Wonderful review! And I'm so with you on the smiling and laughing throughout the entire book. Sometimes I still do, while it's been a few weeks ago now that I've read it… and somehow I think I will be thinking about the book even a year from now.
And I also adore Sean Kennedy's way of writing… like a real fan girl I bought every story and book of him I could find ;)
“arty wanker”…that made me snort!! I keep hearing about what a great read this. I am going to read this very soon.
I've heard so many great things about this book. :)
Loved this one, too! Have you read the free related short, which you can pick up from Sean Kennedy's website?
Chris – I just found out this week! I am definitely going to read it :)
Fabulous review! Okay, I think I need to pick up this book now. :)
I do think that if I am ever to try one I should start with this one
All the talk about football made my eyes cross. LOL
I loved this so much.
But I kept waiting for a big fall-out halfway through the book… maybe because I still had Adrien and Jake in the back of my mind, I was thinking that everything was just a little too smooth sailing for Declan and Simon.
But I liked the fact that rather than writing about 'outside forces' trying to tear the couple down, Kennedy kept it real by examining the way people in the relationship can be the ones to muck it up.
Great, great book. Thanks again for the recommendation.
Sounds like a good book,I may have to give this one a try.
I've heard so many good things about this book, and I've just added your review to the list Mandi :) Like you, I've been going to read it and haven't. I will – just need to finish the Adrian English series first *grin*
Love your sum up of this..
It was a wonderful read for me when I read it and it still remains one of my fav m/m books..
E.H>
I've never read a M/M before. Would you recommend starting with this one?
Kate- yes, this one is very light on actual sex scenes so it is a good one to start with – but more than that, it is just a really great story :)
Loved your review Mandi, im adding this book to my to buy list!