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Underlying Universe
Underlying
Mark and Sandy hated each other. So when Mark accidentally hit Sandy with his car - which was totally not his fault - they were not exactly thrilled to be forced to spend all their time together. Well, at least Mark wasn't.
Status: Completed
Word count: approx. 102k
Status: Completed
Word count: approx. 102k
442 pages, ebook
First published March 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
543 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 1, 2014
The basics of this story are: everyone is a fucking psycho.
Either they have anger management issues, problems with dealing with their own feelings, a generally shit temper or just a serious case of insensitivity, often coupled with unreasonableness - nobody's sane or normal and every situation and reaction is so over the top that it had me kind of bugging my eyes out and stifling a laugh while feeling the urge to hit something.
But here's the thing: this complete OTTness and stupidity ended up being both funny and endearing. I found myself - surprise! *snort* - relating to Mark with his anger towards the world and emotional retardedness and completely understanding why he was so mad. I mean, if I had his family, I would have probably killed one of them years ago.
The writing is unremarkable, but the plot and the character development are definitely worth a mention. The author kept making the people around Mark and Sandy do and ask and say more and more little annoying things that succeeded in driving Mark (and me) crazy and just gave more ideas to annoy him to Sandy, and none of this ever got tedious or repetitive.
The story is mostly narrated by Mark, but Mark and Sandy's friends are present all throughout the story and the author inserted random chapters from their POV, without sudden changes, making them feel like interludes and at the same time giving the reader a more rational overview of the situation - because obviously you can't even trust Mark with his own fucking story.
What I found was incredibly well done was the way Sandy and especially Mark finally woke up and smelt the coffee. It wasn't a sudden process and there was absolutely no mushiness or cuddles. It was simply a redirectioning of their instincts of aggression and violence - and holy hell, I can't wait to read about these two having sex. It's going to be explosive.
Either they have anger management issues, problems with dealing with their own feelings, a generally shit temper or just a serious case of insensitivity, often coupled with unreasonableness - nobody's sane or normal and every situation and reaction is so over the top that it had me kind of bugging my eyes out and stifling a laugh while feeling the urge to hit something.
But here's the thing: this complete OTTness and stupidity ended up being both funny and endearing. I found myself - surprise! *snort* - relating to Mark with his anger towards the world and emotional retardedness and completely understanding why he was so mad. I mean, if I had his family, I would have probably killed one of them years ago.
The writing is unremarkable, but the plot and the character development are definitely worth a mention. The author kept making the people around Mark and Sandy do and ask and say more and more little annoying things that succeeded in driving Mark (and me) crazy and just gave more ideas to annoy him to Sandy, and none of this ever got tedious or repetitive.
The story is mostly narrated by Mark, but Mark and Sandy's friends are present all throughout the story and the author inserted random chapters from their POV, without sudden changes, making them feel like interludes and at the same time giving the reader a more rational overview of the situation - because obviously you can't even trust Mark with his own fucking story.
What I found was incredibly well done was the way Sandy and especially Mark finally woke up and smelt the coffee. It wasn't a sudden process and there was absolutely no mushiness or cuddles. It was simply a redirectioning of their instincts of aggression and violence - and holy hell, I can't wait to read about these two having sex. It's going to be explosive.
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January 8, 2019
The first time I read this story I was in highschool (2010-11? I forget which year), staying over at a friend's house when we found the story - then posted on FictionPress - and decided we had to read it. My friend is a very fast reader so she got through it in no time and upon finishing she gushed at me that I had to read it too. That friend has recommended me some of the best stories (online fiction and published works alike) I've read to date, some of the stories that to this day remain in my Top10 list, this one included. So going into this the first time I knew I would end up loving it. Needless to say, that assumption was correct. I've read this a couple times over the years, recommended it to other friends who joined me in enjoying the story, and every time I think of it it puts a smile on my face I can't decide if this gif or this one is more accurate, but kinda a combination of the happy.
It's been a couple years since I last held a real conversation with that friend since it seems that ever since she moved several states over we've drifted apart. So it's nice to get to go back to some of the things she rec'd me and just...remember. All the good times, all the fun, how she opened my eyes to the world and how, really, life back then was kinda perfect. For these reasons this story, along with those others briefly mentioned, will always hold a special place in my heart.
Was this story essentially reuploaded, with editing in such a way that primarily intertwines some of the extra short stories originally uploaded outside of the original text? Yes.I haven't looked through magalina's side story The Prom Story yet, but I think that one is newly written from what was posted on FP? Or I just never got to it before it was taken down from the site.
Does that mean many of the original typos and other such errors can still be found within this reuploaded version? Yes.
Has it been reuploaded with new content that transforms this into a brand new read? No. But while that certainly would have been welcome it isn't a deciding factor in my enjoyment of the story and isn't really something I was looking for.
Am I still favorably biased toward this story and convinced it's fantastic? Yes.
Final verdict: I'm going to read this one again in the future, something I hardly ever do and tend to reserve only for those stories I especially loveor, when I'm in the mood, those short oneshots that are, essentially or explicitly, PWPs.
Quote of choice (hidden because it's a little bit spoilery?):
---
The fabulous Magalina has reuploaded her story Underlying!
Not only that, but it's also reedited! It's gonna be like reliving the story of Mark and Sandy all over again, only new!
Words cannot express the levels of excitement I am feeling over this.
Unfortunately I think I'm going to have to have to put off rereading it again (*insert squealy noises here*) until after my finals are done this week so I don't get too distracted by the storymy addiction to farming games, this time Hay Day, does that enough already.
And it has a cover!
It's been a couple years since I last held a real conversation with that friend since it seems that ever since she moved several states over we've drifted apart. So it's nice to get to go back to some of the things she rec'd me and just...remember. All the good times, all the fun, how she opened my eyes to the world and how, really, life back then was kinda perfect. For these reasons this story, along with those others briefly mentioned, will always hold a special place in my heart.
Was this story essentially reuploaded, with editing in such a way that primarily intertwines some of the extra short stories originally uploaded outside of the original text? Yes.
Does that mean many of the original typos and other such errors can still be found within this reuploaded version? Yes.
Has it been reuploaded with new content that transforms this into a brand new read? No. But while that certainly would have been welcome it isn't a deciding factor in my enjoyment of the story and isn't really something I was looking for.
Am I still favorably biased toward this story and convinced it's fantastic? Yes.
Final verdict: I'm going to read this one again in the future, something I hardly ever do and tend to reserve only for those stories I especially love
Quote of choice (hidden because it's a little bit spoilery?):
---
The fabulous Magalina has reuploaded her story Underlying!
Not only that, but it's also reedited! It's gonna be like reliving the story of Mark and Sandy all over again, only new!
Words cannot express the levels of excitement I am feeling over this.
Unfortunately I think I'm going to have to have to put off rereading it again (*insert squealy noises here*) until after my finals are done this week so I don't get too distracted by the story
And it has a cover!
October 9, 2011
How sweet. Although I knew I was going to read this, rating notwithstanding, I didn't expect it to like it so much. Sandy and Mark know each other since forever, their birthday is on the same day, their parents are friends and happen to be neighbors. Sandy is well-mannered, friendly and nice with everyone; Mark is the opposite, he's the type of shoot first, ask questions later. And the best part is they actually hate each other, they can't stand breathing the same air. Sandy whispers in Mark's ear to provoke him and then waits for the other to react. In the end, poor Mark is the one to blame and Sandy enjoys pissing him off.
Then, of course, there's the build up. It's subtle, natural. You start noticing little things, gestures that make you suspect that maybe they like to fight for a reason other than their anger. Sandy likes him, Mark hates him, hates wanting him so much. They go from throwing punches to bickering like a married couple. It was awesome to watch them interact, even more so when they couldn't stay more than five minutes in the other's presence. On a side note, I'm glad that, for once, the MCs are neither too mature nor childish. Most authors don't know how to picture a teenager.
I wish the end wasn't so abrupt, though. And for God's sake, it's so difficult to write a sex scene? All that unresolved tension...
ETA: You can't miss the short stories! Link
Then, of course, there's the build up. It's subtle, natural. You start noticing little things, gestures that make you suspect that maybe they like to fight for a reason other than their anger. Sandy likes him, Mark hates him, hates wanting him so much. They go from throwing punches to bickering like a married couple. It was awesome to watch them interact, even more so when they couldn't stay more than five minutes in the other's presence. On a side note, I'm glad that, for once, the MCs are neither too mature nor childish. Most authors don't know how to picture a teenager.
I wish the end wasn't so abrupt, though. And for God's sake, it's so difficult to write a sex scene? All that unresolved tension...
ETA: You can't miss the short stories! Link
April 23, 2011
This was such a terrific story, where the characters actually do hate each other at the beginning. And it was so fun I couldn't believe it actually could be that good. I loved Mark, and you actually get frustrated on his behalf a few times because while he is short-tempered and does always hit first, Sandy isn't a saint either, despite what everyone else thinks.
Wish I could find something similar.
Wish I could find something similar.
October 2, 2015
2,75
Честно скажу. Я не выдержала до конца.
Это длиннющий, прям длиннющий рассказ (на романе все же не тянет) про подростков и их проблемы. Сама по себе тема мне нравится, но здесь столько воды, что это просто невыносимо.
Жульничество автора в описании эротики меня огорчило. Первый поцелуй есть, да (странице на четырехсотой!). Первый оргазм тоже. Но потом все происходит где-то за кадром, а читатель остается один на один с затянувшимся "выходом" Марка и разводом родителей Сэнди. Не честно.
Но кончилось для меня все тогда, когда друзья героев стали вмешиваться в отношения. Это... мой сквик, если честно. Вот кто ты такая вообще, дура конченная, чтобы анализировать чужие чувства? Недотрах, милая, банальный недотрах. Пойди и найти себе мальчика, а к этим не лезь, сучка!
Честно скажу. Я не выдержала до конца.
Это длиннющий, прям длиннющий рассказ (на романе все же не тянет) про подростков и их проблемы. Сама по себе тема мне нравится, но здесь столько воды, что это просто невыносимо.
Жульничество автора в описании эротики меня огорчило. Первый поцелуй есть, да (странице на четырехсотой!). Первый оргазм тоже. Но потом все происходит где-то за кадром, а читатель остается один на один с затянувшимся "выходом" Марка и разводом родителей Сэнди. Не честно.
Но кончилось для меня все тогда, когда друзья героев стали вмешиваться в отношения. Это... мой сквик, если честно. Вот кто ты такая вообще, дура конченная, чтобы анализировать чужие чувства? Недотрах, милая, банальный недотрах. Пойди и найти себе мальчика, а к этим не лезь, сучка!
March 21, 2019
This is the most riveting enemy-to-lover story I've yet to encounter. If this category is one that appeals to you (as it does to me), you will ignore the copy-editing issues and in no time become totally immersed in Mark and Sandy's high school saga. Not only are the main characters flawed, as are most teens who are developing their self-awareness and their identity, but the supporting cast shimmer when they're supposed to and shine when they need to.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
June 2017:
Just finished rereading "Underlying". Yes, it could have used an editor's hand and even moreso a copyeditor's. But this book captures incredibly two teenagers' angst and lust and joy as we traverse the narrow path between hate and love and how two boys make the trip everyone else seems to know they're on before they do.
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.
June 2017:
Just finished rereading "Underlying". Yes, it could have used an editor's hand and even moreso a copyeditor's. But this book captures incredibly two teenagers' angst and lust and joy as we traverse the narrow path between hate and love and how two boys make the trip everyone else seems to know they're on before they do.
May 3, 2012
This was one hell of a read. Seriously, I was laughing my ass off more often than not, because it's just hilarious how Mark and Sandy act around each other.
I totally felt like Dan, Mark's younger brother, who had them both figured out way before they themselves did, and who was snickering because of their childish behaviour for the most part.
It's adorable, sweet, but also exasperating and a bit annoying at times..
The ending felt a bit abrupt, like there's missing something.
Overall, enjoyable enough.
I totally felt like Dan, Mark's younger brother, who had them both figured out way before they themselves did, and who was snickering because of their childish behaviour for the most part.
It's adorable, sweet, but also exasperating and a bit annoying at times..
The ending felt a bit abrupt, like there's missing something.
Overall, enjoyable enough.
August 20, 2012
My, that was a lot of anger with which to contend. I persevered through it and would have wished for a sappier/happier ending, especially as a way to balance the fatiguing prelude, but I suppose this was true to form. There was good development throughout. I just feel a bit drained after all that rage and tension...too much in my opinion, but it exemplified the result of underlying feelings well, if at the extreme end of the spectrum.
Oh, and this work needs editing!
Oh, and this work needs editing!
February 7, 2013
This is possibly one of my favorite stories ever, certainly online.
The characters inside this story are so brilliantly angry and hateful while being so dynamic and real, that I'll bow in respect to the arthur for crafting them so perfectly. It's definitely worth reading.
The characters inside this story are so brilliantly angry and hateful while being so dynamic and real, that I'll bow in respect to the arthur for crafting them so perfectly. It's definitely worth reading.
January 12, 2020
The story itself was cute. I liked the different kind of writing. But it had some flaws, like how the adults seemed all immature. It also was a bit repetitive and the secondary characters, though present, weren't more than mere props.
October 19, 2013
The intentions were good on this one but the writing was amateurish and the main character Mark was pretty much a sociopath with desperate need of anger management counseling. I like the idea of hate hate turning to something else but the physical attacks bothered me. Mark accidentally injures Sandy and he makes it everyone's fault but his own. When he's not doing that he's punching or fighting with Sandy on the least provocation.
He imagines Sandy Rogers is laughing at him or talking about him behind his back or looks at him funny or is taunting him and this leads to Mark either attacking Sandy physically or barely restraining himself from doing so. The way this story is presented it's not to be taken seriously but i get uncomfortable because the excuses Mark uses for when he turns physical against Sandy are the same one used by every abusive person who've ever hit their wife or their child, i.e. 'she/he made me do it.'.
Interspersed between all that, there were entertaining moments with Sandy, Mark their friends and family. The writer keeps it clean ( I think because she notes she's not comfortable with writing sex scenes). These are also young people maybe high school age & they never quite develop to maturity even by the end. I'd say an audience on the same level would be a better fit for this story. Hopefully they won't internalize that message of it's ok to hit someone if you're trying to avoid your feelings for them because that sounds an awful lot like a bully mentality.
He imagines Sandy Rogers is laughing at him or talking about him behind his back or looks at him funny or is taunting him and this leads to Mark either attacking Sandy physically or barely restraining himself from doing so. The way this story is presented it's not to be taken seriously but i get uncomfortable because the excuses Mark uses for when he turns physical against Sandy are the same one used by every abusive person who've ever hit their wife or their child, i.e. 'she/he made me do it.'.
Interspersed between all that, there were entertaining moments with Sandy, Mark their friends and family. The writer keeps it clean ( I think because she notes she's not comfortable with writing sex scenes). These are also young people maybe high school age & they never quite develop to maturity even by the end. I'd say an audience on the same level would be a better fit for this story. Hopefully they won't internalize that message of it's ok to hit someone if you're trying to avoid your feelings for them because that sounds an awful lot like a bully mentality.
July 31, 2011
I loved just about everything involving this book. It's well written with just the right about of angst. The characters are really well done, even the secondary characters. Flawed though they are you can't help but love them. The ending however wasn't very well done but I was expecting this as the author gave a big warning and the author did recover by doing a bunch of short stories with them http://maga-nw.livejournal.com/12593.... They are really really good and show the progression of the relationship.
April 11, 2012
I just hate multiple POV. ._.
The ending was too short, After all the tension I wouldn't mind reading more about their relationship.
The ending was too short, After all the tension I wouldn't mind reading more about their relationship.
September 13, 2012
I loved this story! Oh the angst!!! Delicious. I will for sure read this one again in the future.
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October 9, 2013Seriously? No sex? Argh!!!
January 24, 2022
The story wasn’t too special really, but what caught me was Mark’s anger issues - they mirror the anger issues i had as a kid and teen. The same with his family. His parent’s were not bad parents, and his siblings just siblings, but as a teen who feels like no one understands you and everything sets you off, parents who doesn’t /really/ listen is just too much. It was almost painful to read the first half of the book as everything about Mark just hit too close to home. It’s not often i get to read characters who just have so anger because of personal issues and lack of understanding from the family, but whose anger is not ever okay, or explained away. An anger that only resolves when the issues are being addressed, but doesn’t go away over night. Or are this well written for that matter
I wasn’t too convinced by the ending. Mark refused to address his identity issues, and Sandy didn’t seem to ever understand how important communication is in a relationship, or how much one’s partner actually care about you and your life. It also felt very rushed. Not the relationship really, even though it was somewhat sloppy, but everything around them. It wasn’t a bad ending per se, the second half of the book was just a bit lacklustre and the ending didn’t weigh up for it. It was alright though
Over all, all the teens were realistic, and more or less annoying (except for Dan, who is perfect). The parents were all just annoying but very realistic from a teenager’s point of view, and flat and frustrating from an adult’s point of view
4 stars edging on 5 rather because i felt so strongly for and with Mark, despite the story being flat or rushed at parts, with irrelevant side plots
I wasn’t too convinced by the ending. Mark refused to address his identity issues, and Sandy didn’t seem to ever understand how important communication is in a relationship, or how much one’s partner actually care about you and your life. It also felt very rushed. Not the relationship really, even though it was somewhat sloppy, but everything around them. It wasn’t a bad ending per se, the second half of the book was just a bit lacklustre and the ending didn’t weigh up for it. It was alright though
Over all, all the teens were realistic, and more or less annoying (except for Dan, who is perfect). The parents were all just annoying but very realistic from a teenager’s point of view, and flat and frustrating from an adult’s point of view
4 stars edging on 5 rather because i felt so strongly for and with Mark, despite the story being flat or rushed at parts, with irrelevant side plots
June 10, 2017
I'm completely blown away by how much I actually enjoyed this ebook.
I think what I like the most is the fact that the story in this book is very character-driven. Yes, they're messed up. Yes, they infuriate me. But. That's what makes it so good, I guess????
And also the fact that this book does not sound like an mm book at all. It starts, goes on, and ends like you're reading a normal young adult book about two people who used to hate each other and finally make peace with their attraction with one another. They're figuring things out very slowly but I like it anyway????
And it's unbelievable how refreshing that is.
I think what I like the most is the fact that the story in this book is very character-driven. Yes, they're messed up. Yes, they infuriate me. But. That's what makes it so good, I guess????
And also the fact that this book does not sound like an mm book at all. It starts, goes on, and ends like you're reading a normal young adult book about two people who used to hate each other and finally make peace with their attraction with one another. They're figuring things out very slowly but I like it anyway????
And it's unbelievable how refreshing that is.
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August 27, 2018
I wish this was a bit longer.
THIS WAS CUTE OKAY. I MEAN WHO GOES FROM PUNCHING EACH OTHER TO SMACKING THEIR FACE TOGETHER???? APPARENTLY THESE TWO.
I'm giggling so many time at their stupidity
THIS WAS CUTE OKAY. I MEAN WHO GOES FROM PUNCHING EACH OTHER TO SMACKING THEIR FACE TOGETHER???? APPARENTLY THESE TWO.
I'm giggling so many time at their stupidity
April 11, 2019
Not bad. The enemies to lovers trope was done well but the MCs were a little annoying. Also, there were too many perspectives from other characters.
July 2, 2019
Totally loved it
September 24, 2019
A but long, I ehnded up skipping some of the first chapters, but after a bit it was really good.
Want to read
December 18, 2019great book for hoes
August 18, 2020
Hilariously cute and the characters' hate was realistic and I very much fell in and out of love with each of them
November 19, 2015
This story was so very unique. Mark and Rogers were really something different to read about. The dynamic of them being mortal enemies and fighting every chance they got was somehow what drew me in to take a read. And once I got started I really couldn't stop and before I knew it I was flipping e-pages and then the book was done. And there I was, caught in my feelings and over thinking everything in the best way possible.
Now there is Mark, this character was really a complicated one. But somehow I cannot rag on him and say how horrible he was or how he has issues when really all I saw was a boy who was struggling with his feelings and lashing out because he just couldn't deal with it all. He was kind, way...way down inside of him. Even when he I could tell that it was because he cared, that he wanted to do something for Sandy because he needed it. But he was mortified to be vulnerable and downright scared about what he was really feeling.
Sandy on the other hand, I feel he endured Mark and egged him on because he secretly relished the full on attention and kind of control that he had over Mark. It may have all come out in the wrong ways, but he too was so young and unsure of all he was feeling that he went along with the hatred so that he didn't have to face his "reality" at home or in his heart. But he was the first to realise and act on what he really felt.
It took them lots of trial and errors to finally let go of all the past hurt and anger and in a way Mark really has lots more work to do. But hey, they are teenagers for chris sake and they have their whole lives ahead of them to work on it.
I feel that if they could overcome such a violent past then they really can overcome anything. I am rooting for them and maybe hoping for a follow up as well.
Anyway, for the fact that this author just went there, all up in there, a place where there is a very thin line between what is acceptable and what is not (most of it was not normal behaviour I can assure you) I can safely say I loved it. I love the taboo and forbidden and this kind of fulfilled it all. 4.5 solid stars!
Now there is Mark, this character was really a complicated one. But somehow I cannot rag on him and say how horrible he was or how he has issues when really all I saw was a boy who was struggling with his feelings and lashing out because he just couldn't deal with it all. He was kind, way...way down inside of him. Even when he I could tell that it was because he cared, that he wanted to do something for Sandy because he needed it. But he was mortified to be vulnerable and downright scared about what he was really feeling.
Sandy on the other hand, I feel he endured Mark and egged him on because he secretly relished the full on attention and kind of control that he had over Mark. It may have all come out in the wrong ways, but he too was so young and unsure of all he was feeling that he went along with the hatred so that he didn't have to face his "reality" at home or in his heart. But he was the first to realise and act on what he really felt.
It took them lots of trial and errors to finally let go of all the past hurt and anger and in a way Mark really has lots more work to do. But hey, they are teenagers for chris sake and they have their whole lives ahead of them to work on it.
I feel that if they could overcome such a violent past then they really can overcome anything. I am rooting for them and maybe hoping for a follow up as well.
Anyway, for the fact that this author just went there, all up in there, a place where there is a very thin line between what is acceptable and what is not (most of it was not normal behaviour I can assure you) I can safely say I loved it. I love the taboo and forbidden and this kind of fulfilled it all. 4.5 solid stars!
May 18, 2016
Honestly, I was doubting whether to give this fanfic 3 or 4 stars. Mostly because of the end. But I like it, and I like the couple a lot, even if there were more yelling and punching than kissing and lovey-dovey.
Mark was most of the times a little jerk. He was always in bad mood, grumpy, tense, wanting to punch everybody, but especially Sandy. And Sandy was a nice guy. They were fighting all the time, and I mean hard, violent punches. With blood included.
Once Sandy (the first one to realize his feelings) starts to act more like a guy in love is when things start to get interesting, and almost cute. Like doing all these things to be near Mark, or making Mark to get more used to him.
It is a teenage romance. Nothing explicit, with some light drama. Seems is more "hate" than "love", specially from Mark´s side. The background characters are interesting and real: Mark´s siblings, Mark´s best friend John, Sandy´s friends Dana and the other... people that were aware of what was going on between Mark and Sandy before they have realized it.. and they did not even make a fuss over it.
I would have love to read more about Mark and Sandy as an official couple. But it would have been practically very un-Mark-ish to read romantic or hot scenes (he did not even confessed his feelings! Why Magalina, why?). At least they came out in front of their closest relatives and friends. The end was kind of abrupt. I hope Magalina comes to her senses and write more of this fanfic.
Mark was most of the times a little jerk. He was always in bad mood, grumpy, tense, wanting to punch everybody, but especially Sandy. And Sandy was a nice guy. They were fighting all the time, and I mean hard, violent punches. With blood included.
Once Sandy (the first one to realize his feelings) starts to act more like a guy in love is when things start to get interesting, and almost cute. Like doing all these things to be near Mark, or making Mark to get more used to him.
It is a teenage romance. Nothing explicit, with some light drama. Seems is more "hate" than "love", specially from Mark´s side. The background characters are interesting and real: Mark´s siblings, Mark´s best friend John, Sandy´s friends Dana and the other... people that were aware of what was going on between Mark and Sandy before they have realized it.. and they did not even make a fuss over it.
I would have love to read more about Mark and Sandy as an official couple. But it would have been practically very un-Mark-ish to read romantic or hot scenes (he did not even confessed his feelings! Why Magalina, why?). At least they came out in front of their closest relatives and friends. The end was kind of abrupt. I hope Magalina comes to her senses and write more of this fanfic.
July 22, 2016
A well-written, intense, teenage enemies-to-lovers tale with some very funny moments. The side characters are well drawn too - Mark's and Sandy's friends and both families - and this adds to the richness of the story. The slide from violence to reluctant attraction is paced just right.
They've been enemies forever and Mark always throws the first punch and gets the blame, while Sandy is polite and popular and usually gets let off, which of course makes Mark fume. Then one day Mark runs over Sandy with his car and now he can't punch Sandy anymore because Sandy can't fight back with his arm in a cast. On top of that, their parents punish Mark by making him drive Sandy everywhere since he demolished Sandy's bicycle in the same accident. All this enforced time together without being able to beat each other up...whatever will they do? :)
This should be read with the 4 additional short stories, or else the ending will feel kind of abrupt.
They've been enemies forever and Mark always throws the first punch and gets the blame, while Sandy is polite and popular and usually gets let off, which of course makes Mark fume. Then one day Mark runs over Sandy with his car and now he can't punch Sandy anymore because Sandy can't fight back with his arm in a cast. On top of that, their parents punish Mark by making him drive Sandy everywhere since he demolished Sandy's bicycle in the same accident. All this enforced time together without being able to beat each other up...whatever will they do? :)
This should be read with the 4 additional short stories, or else the ending will feel kind of abrupt.
February 8, 2017
If you don't mind reading a rough work; go ahead. If not; well don't bother reading this book as it is quite rough; definitely not polished.
But if you can just focus on the story and the characters; you are in for a ride. It was so fucking fantastic to read. So enjoyable. So smart. It might not be as beautifully written as some other books but it is definitely a clever book.
PoV changes constantly from Mark to Sandy to Emily to Dan to Dana to ..
It might sound messy; but in fact it helps you get into the story. And all those little details about the side characters helps too. Like you are actually part of their universe.
And the story itself. Coming out. Sexuality and the sex.
We have Mark and Sandy. Teen boys. Full of energy and at each others' throats all the time. Why is the question..
Umm.. when I try to explain it sounds so cheesy but it is not. Really not.
And just do yourself a favor and read the side stories also :3
But if you can just focus on the story and the characters; you are in for a ride. It was so fucking fantastic to read. So enjoyable. So smart. It might not be as beautifully written as some other books but it is definitely a clever book.
PoV changes constantly from Mark to Sandy to Emily to Dan to Dana to ..
It might sound messy; but in fact it helps you get into the story. And all those little details about the side characters helps too. Like you are actually part of their universe.
And the story itself. Coming out. Sexuality and the sex.
We have Mark and Sandy. Teen boys. Full of energy and at each others' throats all the time. Why is the question..
Umm.. when I try to explain it sounds so cheesy but it is not. Really not.
And just do yourself a favor and read the side stories also :3
April 8, 2021
EDIT: I keep rereading this, since I love it like no tomorrow.
THIS. This hit my every kink and it was absolutely cute. Magalina writes her characters so real and easy to relate to even though the main characters are in their teens and guys. The story is quite realistic and I love how it does not point fingers or give easy solutions. I felt so much for the characters and I was happy that the story was not full with depictions of sex and such. It just worked better this way. Magalina's ability to write normal teens is wonderful and I so hope this will be published.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was that everyone seemed to be OK that the guys had a relationship - in an otherwise realistic story it was just somewhat weird. I would have wanted a little bit more of that "we vs. the world", but either way - this totally made my day! I want a hard copy of this!
THIS. This hit my every kink and it was absolutely cute. Magalina writes her characters so real and easy to relate to even though the main characters are in their teens and guys. The story is quite realistic and I love how it does not point fingers or give easy solutions. I felt so much for the characters and I was happy that the story was not full with depictions of sex and such. It just worked better this way. Magalina's ability to write normal teens is wonderful and I so hope this will be published.
The only thing that bothered me a bit was that everyone seemed to be OK that the guys had a relationship - in an otherwise realistic story it was just somewhat weird. I would have wanted a little bit more of that "we vs. the world", but either way - this totally made my day! I want a hard copy of this!
August 7, 2012
Nice enemies-to-lovers story though I feel that the ending left a lot to be desired. While it cleared a couple of things up, I felt that the story was not exactly resolved. I would like to see where Mark and Sandy go from there.
Overall, a good story.
Update: And now I see (after the fact) that there are shorts after this one so hopefully the unresolved things mentioned above are cleared up.
Overall, a good story.
Update: And now I see (after the fact) that there are shorts after this one so hopefully the unresolved things mentioned above are cleared up.
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