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a_reader_obsessed's review
3.0
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 [b:Tigers and Devils|6430659|Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1)|Sean Kennedy|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350519754s/6430659.jpg|6513774]. 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 [b:Tigers and Devils|6430659|Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1)|Sean Kennedy|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1350519754s/6430659.jpg|6513774]. 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.
raynebair's review
4.0
I loved this sequel to Tigers and Devils. Declan and Simon are awesome and their relationship was real. Their issues weren't the kind most people have to go through, since most aren't celebrities, but the miscommunication is most definitely real I absolutely loved that they owned up to it and were able to work out their issues. They may be fictional characters but they have become one of my favorite couples. And I just wanted to jump into my Kindle and punch Greg. What a bastard!
It really ticked me off that he used his coming out as gay as a way to "get back" at Declan and Simon. Coming out as gay is such a huge thing and many struggle with it to the point that their health suffers. For him to exploit as a "payback" and to "one up" Declan just made me sick.
Spoiler
It really ticked me off that he used his coming out as gay as a way to "get back" at Declan and Simon. Coming out as gay is such a huge thing and many struggle with it to the point that their health suffers. For him to exploit as a "payback" and to "one up" Declan just made me sick.
sarah1018's review
2.0
This one just did not do it for me. I liked the humor of Simon but there was absolutely no intimacy between the couple. It was really a let down.
leewicks's review
4.0
That. Was So. CUTE!
Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes. This one's much more like it. Oh, and my rating? Maybe more like a 4.25.
To backtrack a little though, whilst out for a walk this morning, I finally realised why I had issues with the first book. Throughout it, as you can imagine, you learn a lot about Simon and Dec's personalities, and their mannerisms, their dynamic as a couple, and their internal thought process and all that, and you continue to experience this throughout Tigerland.
What bothered me was that the way Simon and Dec meet, it doesn't fit, so I found their whole relationship kind of...confusing, I guess? It kind of irked me, and whilst I enjoyed a lot of other aspects of the book, that not-so-strong start kind of tainted my reading experience somewhat.
However, I still fell in love with their relationship, and enjoyed Tigers and Devils enough to want to pick up Tigerland, and boy am I glad I did.
We have character growth, ladies and gentlemen! First and foremost, of course, Simon. What with him being the main character and everything, reading from his perspective, it's certainly going to be most prominent example. Whilst he still has his self-deprecating nature, and will sometimes simply revert to acting this way (speaking before thinking and all that), he is making an active effort to...not always be a arty wanker!
Though this certainly wasn't always the case, he thought things through more, communicated more openly and effectively, and although it didn't come naturally to him, he still tried, and that was a wonderful thing to see.
Then we've got Declan, and his whole bit about putting Simon first, and their general comradery, their friendship groups, and the issues within it being addressed and dealt with, and simple domestic bliss, the weekend getaway, and...ugh. This is the kind of soppy drivel I was hoping for.
Also, reading this made me laugh. Quite a few times, as a matter of fact. I needed that.
I think what I enjoy most is that the focus is more on their relationship, and figuring out what it means for them, how they make mistakes and learn, openly communicate, and it isn't about hormones and sex and lust. There's attraction, and whilst of course they do have sex, I appreciate it isn't explicit, because I feel like that would take away something from the book.
A very pleasant and easy read. I really hope there's another one at some point, maybe something along the lines of some sort of ceremony, cough-cough. (I know laws and legalisation and civil partnerships and all that, but one can dream)
Oh, yes. Yes, yes, yes. This one's much more like it. Oh, and my rating? Maybe more like a 4.25.
To backtrack a little though, whilst out for a walk this morning, I finally realised why I had issues with the first book. Throughout it, as you can imagine, you learn a lot about Simon and Dec's personalities, and their mannerisms, their dynamic as a couple, and their internal thought process and all that, and you continue to experience this throughout Tigerland.
What bothered me was that the way Simon and Dec meet, it doesn't fit, so I found their whole relationship kind of...confusing, I guess? It kind of irked me, and whilst I enjoyed a lot of other aspects of the book, that not-so-strong start kind of tainted my reading experience somewhat.
However, I still fell in love with their relationship, and enjoyed Tigers and Devils enough to want to pick up Tigerland, and boy am I glad I did.
We have character growth, ladies and gentlemen! First and foremost, of course, Simon. What with him being the main character and everything, reading from his perspective, it's certainly going to be most prominent example. Whilst he still has his self-deprecating nature, and will sometimes simply revert to acting this way (speaking before thinking and all that), he is making an active effort to...not always be a arty wanker!
Though this certainly wasn't always the case, he thought things through more, communicated more openly and effectively, and although it didn't come naturally to him, he still tried, and that was a wonderful thing to see.
Then we've got Declan, and his whole bit about putting Simon first, and their general comradery, their friendship groups, and the issues within it being addressed and dealt with, and simple domestic bliss, the weekend getaway, and...ugh. This is the kind of soppy drivel I was hoping for.
Also, reading this made me laugh. Quite a few times, as a matter of fact. I needed that.
I think what I enjoy most is that the focus is more on their relationship, and figuring out what it means for them, how they make mistakes and learn, openly communicate, and it isn't about hormones and sex and lust. There's attraction, and whilst of course they do have sex, I appreciate it isn't explicit, because I feel like that would take away something from the book.
A very pleasant and easy read. I really hope there's another one at some point, maybe something along the lines of some sort of ceremony, cough-cough. (I know laws and legalisation and civil partnerships and all that, but one can dream)
sonni89's review
3.0
I thought it would be fitting to continue this series on the plane to Australia, so I did. It's been over a week since I read this and I already don't remember a lot about it beyond the fact that there was just SO MUCH ANNOYING DRAMA in this. I really super adore the cast of regular characters in this. The three couples of Simon/Declan, Abe/Lisa and Fran/Roger are utterly delightful and I would read thousands upon thousands of words about them, which is why this book still gets three stars because away from all the ridiculata, these people are wonderful and great and I love them all.
karlijnmerle's review
3.0
I was so curious to the second book of Declan and Simon. I loved them in the first book and the love is still there. Duh, kind of logic because they are adorable (Simon) and pretty cool (Dec). And I love how during everything that happened to them they still be strong together. They talk, they make funny jokes and just love each other. But that was it. It was okay. Just okay.
One thing: I love how they will go through hell for each other. That says enough of their love for each other. Don't you think?
“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.”
One thing: I love how they will go through hell for each other. That says enough of their love for each other. Don't you think?
“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.”
kiki124's review
4.0
Good, long, no sex.
This and [b:Tigers and Devils|6430659|Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1)|Sean Kennedy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1350519754l/6430659._SY75_.jpg|6513774] are such sad and necessary artifacts of what queer people went through only a decade ago to find love and happiness. Though it isn’t a sad book, Simon and Declan’s happiness is always tempered by their homophobic society. It’s not a fairytale—and that extends to Jasper’s and Fran and Roger’s struggles—which is what makes it so good.
This and [b:Tigers and Devils|6430659|Tigers and Devils (Tigers and Devils #1)|Sean Kennedy|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1350519754l/6430659._SY75_.jpg|6513774] are such sad and necessary artifacts of what queer people went through only a decade ago to find love and happiness. Though it isn’t a sad book, Simon and Declan’s happiness is always tempered by their homophobic society. It’s not a fairytale—and that extends to Jasper’s and Fran and Roger’s struggles—which is what makes it so good.