Ami's Hoard

3.75 stars rounded up

First thing first, I LOVE Simon and Declan. They have been part of my initial introduction to the MM romance genre -- at that time I felt RELIEF that apparently, there was something offered by M/M romance other than numerous and gratuitous sex scenes. I love Simon -- that sarcastic wanker -- and his beloved Declan -- must have patience level like a saint! -- along with their number of friends: Roger, Fran, Abe, Lisa, and Nyssa.

This is the third book after 2012's Tigerland. Simon and Declan has been together for 8(!) years; Simon is still working as film producer, Declan becomes a mentor as part of his charity GetOut ... and they are as solid as ever. Roger and Fran have twins, Abe and Lisa is still together (and definitely not looking forward to have kids of their own), and Nyssa has moved out to New Zealand.

I couldn't really explain the plot of the story. Yes, what it said in the blurb happened (the a thousand-kilometer round trip), but it didn't really appeared on page until about last several chapters of this book. Instead we saw Simon dealing with the fact that his friend slash assistant, Coby, was dating his #1 nemesis, Jasper Brunswick. We saw Simon and Declan trying to deal with difficult Micah. We had their our beloved couple thinking about progress in relationship such as marriage (unfortunately, the current Australian government policy is not in their favor) or kids.

Basically this was an UPDATE of the lives of Simon and Declan. And I couldn't feel more happier about that fact. Sure, it might be boring for those who are looking for something new and fresh. However, for me, it truly felt like being back with old friends after a couple of years and just listening to their news. There were arguments, some drinks and foods, but also love. It made me smile .... guess I don't have to worry about Simon and Declan making stupid decisions :). Well, Simon could, but he had a lot of supports to help him (haha!)

Simon's humor still shone throughout the book, even when he was being a wanker when it came to Jasper's relationship with Coby. That is always one of the strengths of the whole series, I think. His humor. At the same time, I also thought that Simon was maturing up. Remember, it had been eight years since the first book, and he had been in a stable relationship all this time. The way that he handled Micah, for example, I thought it showed his maturity (well, at least in the end haha!).

I did have complains -- I wish that the one of conflicts doesn't evolve around Jasper Brunswick. Let's just say that he has been pretty much significant to the series since book #1 and I'm ready for a new nemesis, so to speak. I hope with Jasper hooking up with Coby means that we finally settle down the whole 'war' between Simon and Jasper.

The ending definitely opens a possibility of a new chapter in Simon and Declan's life. I'll patiently wait for that ...