Mark Cooper Versus America

4.25 stars. Late to the party for this book, but I'm glad I finally experienced its masterful combination of sweetness, humor, and pure kink. Mark Cooper starts out the book as an “angry bunny” - he's pissed at having to move from Australia to Pennsylvania, he is pissed about being pressured to rush a fraternity by his stepfather, and he's really pissed about the hazing he didn't expect as a pledge. Watching him reluctantly fall for Deacon, a member of the rival fraternity, is just delicious, and he shows just enough character growth for an 18 year old guy who's still got a lot of things to figure out. Deacon is quieter and more serious. I wouldn't say that Mark loosens him up, except in the bedroom, but he helps Deacon relinquish some of the responsibilities that have been burdening him. I like the arc of their romance; it's slow with a few bumps along the way but no major angst or drama despite the Romeo & Juliet vibes. And then there's the sex. Normally I don't like a lot of explicit sex scenes, but these are for the most part important to the plot by showing how the two young men gradually reveal themselves to each other and learn about their own desires through their explorations. Some of it is kinky yes, there is fisting and I hope I never have to read that again but some of it is very sweet. Underlying the relationship is a good old fish out of water story, and an Australian surfer confronting snow for the first time is golden. Plus the benefits and very real hazards of the fraternity system are portrayed, although I think the verdict is a little rosier than the reality. I liked this book so much that I immediately got the sequel, [b:Brandon Mills versus the V-Card 37791410 Brandon Mills versus the V-Card (Prescott College, #2) Lisa Henry https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1514841589l/37791410.SY75.jpg 42328911]. I am sure it will be a different story, as Brandon is a shy, traumatized nerd, but I'm hoping we'll catch lots of glimpses of Mark and Deacon doing their thing.

This book is made of awesome. It had me smiling and laughing nearly the entire time, and that takes talent! Mark is the kind of character I completely adore. He is a smartass about everything, and it's his way of hiding his vulnerability. Deacon is a stable and understanding guy who shows Mark that he can be trusted with that vulnerability.

I've never really understood the draw of Greek life, so I wasn't too sure about reading this book, but it turned out to be perfect because Mark feels the same way. His reactions to the fraternities and, well, everything else about America are hilarious. It turns out that he and Deacon are into some kinky shit, which is also highly entertaining.

I love this book because it's incredibly funny and sweet at the same time, without being sappy. And I love Mark - he makes this book everything that it is.