Tigers and Devils by Sean Kennedy
Review by Lauren
bought a copy, but opinions are still my own
Official Summary: The most important things in Simon Murray’s life are football, friends, and film-in that order. His friends despair of him ever meeting someone, but despite his loneliness, Simon is cautious about looking for more. Then his best friends drag him to a party, where he barges into a football conversation and ends up defending the honour of star forward Declan Tyler-unaware that the athlete is present. In that first awkward meeting, neither man has any idea they will change each other’s lives forever.
Like his entire family, Simon revels in living in Melbourne, the home of Australian Rules football and mecca for serious fans. There, players are treated like gods-until they do something to fall out of public favour. This year, the public is taking Declan to task for suffering injuries outside his control, so Simon’s support is a bright spot.
But as Simon and Declan fumble toward a relationship, keeping Declan’s homosexuality a secret from well-meaning friends and an increasingly suspicious media becomes difficult. Nothing can stay hidden forever. Soon Declan will have to choose between the career he loves and the man he wants, and Simon has never been known to make things easy-for himself or for others.
Review: Tigers and Devils had been on my radar for a long time, as I kept seeing it on Amazon and reading a lot of good reviews. It sounded like something I would enjoy, so I finally took the plunge and bought a copy. Boy, am I glad I did! I will definitely be trying to get my hands on the sequel, Tigerland, soon.
Simon works for a film festival, while Declan is a professional football (soccer in American terms) player. The two unexpectedly meet at a party, where Simon is defending Declan to other football fans…not realizing the player in question is actually there and listening to the entire thing. Declan immediately crushes on Simon and the two of them start a tentative relationship.
Personality-wise, Simon is more outgoing and sure of himself. He’s out and he’s happy about it, even if his family doesn’t seem to completely understand. As for Declan, only a few close friends know he’s gay and he’s definitely not ready to out himself to the public. Despite this, the two men really like each other and want to make their relationship work. It’s hard for Simon to continually keep things secret though, and it’s just one thing that puts a strain on the relationship.
I love that this is an adult LGBT novel that doesn’t read like straight-up erotica. I’m not a prude about books, by any means, but I want to have an actual storyline, with characters that are realistic. Tigers and Devils definitely carries out this requirement. There is talk of adult things, like drinking and sex, but it’s never too much or overly explicit. I would say older teens and up would be a nice fit for this novel.
As for the characters, I liked that everyone seemed genuine, even when you wanted to yell at them to wake up. The book is told through Simon’s perspective, and I loved that he was aware of his feelings and actions, even if he didn’t always do the right thing. For example, he gets into a couple fights with his best friend and while he knows he should apologize or get in touch, he stubbornly refuses for awhile. It just makes you roll your eyes and groan “boys!” While moments like these might frustrate a reader, it just makes the world Kennedy created so much more real. Yes, it’s a contemporary novel, but the author makes you believe these people could be real. They are stubborn at times, but they always want the best for themselves and those they love. They fight, but they also make up. They aren’t perfect, but that makes them more human.
Obviously you can see that I really enjoyed this novel. It’s not an amazing epic, but it’s a good story, and sometimes that’s all you need. I will certainly be back for more by Sean Kennedy.
I'm so happy to hear that this book has an actual plot. I agree most of these types of books are more erotica lately.
I had read a lot of favorable reviews but now i'm going to just go ahead and buy it after reading yours.
I have actually never heard of this before, but it sounds really good and interesting 🙂 I really like when the author creates realistic and believable characters. It makes the book that much better! Great review 🙂
Janina @ Synchronized Reading
I don't read books that stray into the erotica zone, they just aren't my cuppa. I am so happy that this book has a plot and I don't often read books featuring LGBT so I need to check one out, this sounds like a good pick.
Oh I'm glad you enjoyed this one so much. I also like that the characters felt real. Yes, we often complain about those frustrating characters, but it wouldn't feel real without them. LOL Great review.
Oh, I've seen this book before! The other review was very favorable too. This looks like a book I need to own.
Thanks for the review!
I haven't heard much about this book until now, but I may have to check it out in the near future because the characterization seems to have been done really well, and also the fact that adult topics were handled really maturely without overdoing it on the erotic level, since that does happen a lot nowadays.
Fantastic review, Lauren! <33
Oh nice, I'm so happy to hear you say that this one had an actual story to it. Because I agree, usually books like this are just erotica, no plot, and that's fine for people who are into that, but it's not for me. I want character development and romance and it sounds like I could get it with this one! Excellent. Thanks for this review, Lauren!
Oh it's good to hear of an adult LGBT novel that's not erotica. I always seek them out in the YA genre, but this sounds like one I would enjoy. Thanks for bringing it to my attention!
This is the first time that I hear about this book and it definitely got my attention. I haven't read mm romance in a while.
Great review.
I've only read ong GLBT novel and loved it so I am considering to read some more. Maybe this one…
Fab review, Lauren! <33
I've been in a book/reading slump lately; sadly, this one doesn't look like a story I'd enjoy. The storyline doesn't catch my interest. I'm glad you liked it though! 🙂
This sounds really unique and i Love how it doesn't think it needs to go thoroughly into the erotica side of the story for it to be a good book. Great review! It's different from what I usually read but I like to branch out sometimes.
Simon sounds like a great character and glad you enjoyed
I don't read many adult novels, but I'm glad you ended up loving this one! It sounds really interesting — and I love characters that are genuine.
I SO love that you read and reviewed this one, I read it a few times but I never wrote a review. Simon and Declan are both in my heart, and I can't wait for you to read Tigerland, it's just as good.
This is such a fabulous, heartwarming story.
"I love that this is an adult LGBT novel that doesn't read like straight-up erotica." THIS. Seriously. I actually haven't heard of this book before but it sounds like a really great novel and I love that it actually has depth.