Sean Kennedy (1)

I can't even begin to describe how much I loved this book. It was so refreshing to see such an unapologetically Aussie setting with teams and towns and terms I recognised.

I could have just kept reading this forever. Simon and Declan are fantastic MCs: well-rounded, perfectly flawed, funny, with great chemistry. The secondary characters were interesting and nicely written, particularly the female characters. Roger frustrated me, I must admit, but I liked him more than I wanted to smack him. show more Realistic descriptions of life - and of the media - in Australia as well.

I will read this again and again, and I can't wait to read Sean Kennedy's other work. show less

3.5 Stars

So I kinda liken this story to the movie Notting Hill.

You've got regular bloke Simon, who meets and falls in love with national, footy superstar Declan, where said relationship has to be hidden because Declan is not out. Eventually of course, everything comes to light and chaos ensues. Simon and Declan not only have to navigate the muddy waters of burgeoning relationship highs and lows, but a very sensational public outing. It shows in all its glory, the strain on friendships, the show more awkwardness with family, the stress and paranoia of being in the limelight.

Despite its length and despite the gawd awful, fade to black, I really did enjoy this. It continued to surprise me over and over, because just when I thought it would veer off into melodrama or take a turn for the worst due to some stupid miscommunication, it righted itself back up and kept on going (well minus one big incident). Interspersed generously throughout were some smart, self deprecating humor, some slap in your face sobering realism, and a lot of sarcastic, snarky wit.

So overall, I appreciated how these two handled their insecurities, feelings, and problems - all with grounded realism and standout comedic flair. For sure, Simon's droll personality was the shining glory in this, as Declan sweetly loves him for it anyway. I can honestly say I look forward to seeing what's in store for these two in the future. show less

I bought this on the day it was released, which I never do. And it's a DSP book, which is usually a Not In A Million Years press for me. But it's Kennedy! And Simon and Declan. So the usual rules do not apply.

This book won't really work for someone who hasn't read Tigers and Devils, although you can probably read it without having read Tigerland (there are references, etc. but you get the gist). If you haven't read Tigers and Devils, go read it and then come back and read this. Because show more Tigers and Devils is one of the best m/m books out there, and one of my favorite romances ever.

This book sees Simon and Declan continuing in their relationship, well settled in and seemingly past a lot of the bumps that characterized their early time together. And while there are external issues that affect how they get along, they don't threaten to drive them apart for good. I really appreciated that, because there was a lot of it in Tigerland, and a healthy relationship should be able to weather the kinds of ups and downs Simon and Declan face here. They're normal and you can't really avoid them, so you have to learn to cope with them. And our guys do. They argue, they have a falling out or two, but it is presented as part of what they have to deal with, not Drama! All! The! Time! Thank you, Sean Kennedy.

The usual suspects are back: Roger and Fran, of course, and Nessa's replacement, Cody. Declan is now running a program for LGBT teen athletes to help them negotiate their athletic development *and* their identity issues. Cody's new relationship (with the horrible Jasper Brunswick, of all people) and Declan's proteges provide most of the plot and the main storylines. Simon does his snarky, solipsistic stuff, and there is a lot of banter among the old friends (this series is very dialogue-heavy), but in the second half the teenager storyline takes over and provides a good frame for resolving the various loose ends. Micah is an appealing character and the parallels between him and Simon are well done. They're made a bit too obvious toward the end, but I can live with that. The antagonism between Simon and Jasper evolves in a believable way as well. It's like real life: you can't pick your family and you can't pick your friends' partners, so you figure out ways to live with them or isolate yourself. Simon eventually takes the generous road. Declan is still almost too good to be true, but he's such a sweetie, who am I to complain about that?

It's a pleasure to read a gay romance where the main characters have been together happily for years. And the ending is lovely. It's very sentimental and sweet, but they've earned it. And the way Kennedy manages to give them the opportunity for a publicly affirmed, permanent relationship despite Australia's lack of same-sex marriage recognition worked for me. The room may have become dusty, or I suddenly developed allergies, as I was reading the last couple of epilogues. show less

What I liked the most of this novella was the fact that Fred, Jason's love interest, is not some hunky, fall in love at first sight type of guy, but he is instead a sweet and kind guy, with slight paunch and a "koala" resemblance. All of this is even more empathized if you think he is in comparison with chocolatier Chance, who is basically a sex god.

Nor Jason or Fred are extraordinary guys; Jason is a psychology graduated who ended up working in a funeral parlor, not exactly his dream job show more and totally not a sexy one. Jason is a good guy, but truth be told he is average. When he meets Chance, he of course finds the guy extremely sexy, but like you can admire something in a window well knowing you are not buying it. But with Fred is entirely a different story, and when Chance himself flirts with Fred, Jason is jealous of Fred, not of Chance. Deep down Jason knows Fred can be his right match, and he doesn't want someone like Chance to pouch on his pond.

What I probably regret more of this series, is that all stories have wonderful characters, but we have only a glimpse in their lives. Sometime I'd love to have the chance to spend more time with them.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0049H96U0/?tag=elimyrevandra-20 show less