Tigerland by Sean Kennedy (Tigers & Devils #2)
Contemporary M/M
Released: October 15, 2012
Dreamspinner
Reviewed by Mandi
Tigers & Devils is one of my all time favorite books (you can read my review here). Simon is one of the most cynical and warm characters I’ve met. When he falls in love with the very famous Australia football star, Declan, their relationship in that book was sweet, although strained as they made their way through intense public scrutiny. Declan was the first football player to come out as gay, and they both had to deal with intense pressure and media spotlight.
Now three years later, Declan works as a football commentator, and Simon has moved into the role of television producer for a gay network. They are happy, content and in love. While still popular in the media, the spotlight has died down. But trouble is about to find them. Word comes down that another football player is going to come out when he simultaneously retires. It wouldn’t be that big of a deal, but Greg Heyward is Declan’s ex-boyfriend. They dated for a year, kept hidden in the closet. It was a year later that Declan met Simon, so this relationship is way in the past. But Greg likes media attention, and starts to spread rumors about Declan and lies about the timeframe he met Simon. All of a sudden, Declan and Simon find themselves all over the internet and the television. They know their relationship is strong and that they truly love each other, but the constant gossip, lies and media pressure starts to take a toll on them.
I adore Simon and Declan and this book just firmly cements my love for them. I am so glad Sean Kennedy gave us a sequel. Simon and Declan are so happy together, that is was a joy to read about them. I think the author really does a nice job showing us their daily lives, without it being dull and mundane. Sean Kennedy puts so much humor into his books, that I found myself laughing and laughing so many times. The prologue alone had me in giggling. Told only in Simon’s point of view, his cynicism of the world, and his constant analogies and peculiar pop culture references make me love him so much. And while we never get into Declan’s head, he is the one to calm down Simon when he spazzes out, which happens often. While Sean Kennedy closes the door on actual sex scenes, I feel like this book is very romantic and we get a lot of cuddle time with these two.
The whole conflict with Heyward is not necessarily my favorite – I honestly expected him to cause more conflict in Simon and Declan’s relationship. They get stressed, but they never have a break or a full out argument. I feel slightly conflicted over this. My poor heart was happy that we didn’t have to go through anxiety with them getting angry at each other, but I also think it would have added some extra emotion into this story, especially since they are already an established couple.
We also gets lots of page time with their best friends Fran and Roger, who are funny as ever and also some poignant moments as they battle something of their own in their marriage. Abe and Lisa are also having conflict, which greatly upsets Simon. Coby is a new character, who works for Simon at the television station and gives Simon a hard time about many things. I really enjoyed him.
I loved Tigers & Devils so much, that I was a little worried about reuniting with them. But Sean Kennedy does such a nice job with this story. I could read Simon’s voice over and over and it never gets tired. In the first book, there is a very poignant moment where Declan and Simon are just getting to know each other and they are having coffee and Declan reaches his pinkie finger over to touch Simon’s hand. It’s one of my favorite scenes to reread. I’ll leave you with this small excerpt of how far their love has come.
I reached forward and grabbed Dec’s hand. It pulled him back a little, and he turned, surprised. Then he smiled, a smile so full of love and tenderness it seemed to be brighter than everything around us – the white sand, the sun reflecting off the surface of the waves – it could envelop me and swallow me whole.
Rating: B+
Giveaway: Today I’m going to giveaway two sets of this series – Tigers & Devils and Tigerland. So two people will win both books in digital format.
To enter, just leave a comment. Open to everyone through October 26.
I’d love to have a copy!
Please count me in! :)
I loved tigers & devils and am looking forward to reading Tigerland. Would love to win.
would love to read these books!
I keep eyeing this series. It sounds so good and everyone raves about it! Great review! smiles…
After hearing so many good things about these books, I _have_ to read them. Winning them would just make it sweeter.
I’ve been hearing really good things about these books. And I’m always looking for good M/M
Tigers and Devils was so good!! I didn’t realize Tigerland was out already. Can’t wait to read it!
Please count me in. Thank you!
I’ve heard wonderful things about both of these books. I’m always on the look out for well-written M/M books. Thanks for the review.
I read Tigers and Devils and have Tigerland on my to-buy list. I would love to have it!
Oh I loved Tigers and Devils! I’m so happy to hear that the sequel is a good read.
Oh this series is on my TBR list. I’d love to win! Only ever heard good things about the books.
Because your posts I started to read MM books, so I’d love to win. :)
would love to have this one please count me in
Between this review and when you gushing over reading it the other day I already want to read this. A chance to win it??? Heck yeah!
Thanks so much!
I loved the first one, so I’d love to get the second!
I’ve heard good things about this series and would like to read it.
These sound gorgeous–can’t believe I’ve missed them up to now. Please count me in!
I would love to read this book. Please include me too. Thanks!
Your review has definitely put the series on my to be read list and I’d love to win a copy.
This would be an absolutely fabulous win-so looking forward to these books! Thanks!
please pick me.. i’d love to try read this one
Sounds like an amazing series. I always want a HEA and lately to many books in serial format leave you hanging.
This series is on my TBR list. Thank you for the chance at the giveaway. You ladies are doing an amazing job.
I would love to win one!!!
I put these on my wish list just the other day after reading a review at another site. They sound wonderful. I love that the author is taking the time to slowly grow the characters as a couple and as individuals. These books sound wonderful! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’ve already got Tigers and Devils and I’d love to win a copy of Tigerland.
Please count me in.
I’d love to win a copy of the book.
I just bought T&D and would love to win Tigerland :-)
smaccall AT comcast.net