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Cornerstone
Teen Wolf AU
Suffering from PTSD, ex-Marine Derek Hale moves back to Beacon Hills to open a bookshop and find a calmer life. That’s where he meets Stiles, completely by accident. Stiles is talkative, charming and curious. Somehow, despite the fact that he’s blind, he’s able to read Derek like no one else.
Art by Maichan: http://maichan808.tumblr.com/post/875...
Art by Tsuminubiaru: http://tsuminubiaru.tumblr.com/post/8...
Words:83738 Complete
Suffering from PTSD, ex-Marine Derek Hale moves back to Beacon Hills to open a bookshop and find a calmer life. That’s where he meets Stiles, completely by accident. Stiles is talkative, charming and curious. Somehow, despite the fact that he’s blind, he’s able to read Derek like no one else.
Art by Maichan: http://maichan808.tumblr.com/post/875...
Art by Tsuminubiaru: http://tsuminubiaru.tumblr.com/post/8...
Words:83738 Complete
191 pages, ebook
First published June 1, 2014
2 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Vendelin
16 books22 followersFanfic Author AKA: ljummen
http://archiveofourown.org/users/Vend...
http://archiveofourown.org/users/Vend...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
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May 31, 2016dnf'd at the blowjob bcuz latex politics.
see the thread below for further discussion.
see the thread below for further discussion.
September 22, 2014
Okay, so here's the thing about fan fiction. Fan fiction is shorthand.
Fan fiction is You know the set up, you know the characters, now please keep your hands inside the cart because we're going on a crazy ride. Which is fantastic, of course.
Cornerstone is different.
There is very little shorthand here. In fact, if you changed the names, I'm not sure I'd even have recognised this as Sterek. Okay, maybe some of Stiles's banter would have given it away. Basically though, this reads like original fiction. The characters are fully developed in new ways, there is some well-realised back story, and, there are no wolves here.
Derek is an ex-marine suffering PTSD. Stiles is blind.
That's it. That's the set-up. But it's the payoff that's worth the story. It's sweet, and build slowly, and, okay, yes, fine, it ends exactly how you know it will. But hell, isn't the romance why we read this stuff?
(cough) smut (cough)
Also, there is some smut that is nicely written, and hot.
Fan fiction is You know the set up, you know the characters, now please keep your hands inside the cart because we're going on a crazy ride. Which is fantastic, of course.
Cornerstone is different.
There is very little shorthand here. In fact, if you changed the names, I'm not sure I'd even have recognised this as Sterek. Okay, maybe some of Stiles's banter would have given it away. Basically though, this reads like original fiction. The characters are fully developed in new ways, there is some well-realised back story, and, there are no wolves here.
Derek is an ex-marine suffering PTSD. Stiles is blind.
That's it. That's the set-up. But it's the payoff that's worth the story. It's sweet, and build slowly, and, okay, yes, fine, it ends exactly how you know it will. But hell, isn't the romance why we read this stuff?
(cough) smut (cough)
Also, there is some smut that is nicely written, and hot.
June 15, 2015
I really loved this story. I loved how the character's challenges, and issues were treated with the gravity they deserved, but that it didn't drag down the story into a complete angst fest. I liked how the characters still retained some of the feel of the characters from the show, but didn't feel completely tied down to cannon. That the author made choices that made sense for who they were, and what they had experienced in this universe. I loved that their feelings for each other weren't the magical cure to all that ailed them, and they both need the love and support they get from friends, family, and professionals. Love is grand, but it's not replacement for everything else a person needs to heal.
January 9, 2015
Derek is a marine with PTSD who now owns a bookshop.
Stiles is blind and has a cool dog named Steve.
Both are lonely and vulnerable and they need each other, you know? So sweet.
This is one of those fics where if you changed all the names you probably wouldn't recognize it as a Sterek, though Derek does brood and Stiles is funny.
Aaaand...angsty angst is angsty. Mainly because it's from Derek's pov and he's got some serious problems.
However, it's not as angsty as Kaleidoscope (just about killed me) and lacks the manties found in Riding the Lightning, also by this author.
Oh, yeah, there's also plenty of smex.
Look!
3.5
January 29, 2015
Derek is an ex-marine with PTSD. He moves back to Beacon Hills and opens a bookstore. He meets Stiles and they slowly become friends.
Stiles is blind and a virgin. He decides that he wants to experiment with Derek so that he can get comfortable with sex.
Being friends with benefits works for Derek until his feelings get in the way and of course he freaks out.
Lovely and a bit angsty.
May 31, 2023
I have nothing to say about this book that hasn't already been said aside from my own added I loved it.
The story and the most gorgeous artwork ever was all just a thing of beauty. An emotional but made me happy thing of beauty.
I am not sharing the artwork in my review because honestly, it truly it needs to be viewed while reading but I of course have to give you something.
I don't know what I was waiting for, but I seriously waited way too long to read this one.
One of the best Sterek fics that wasn't exactly a Sterek fic that I have ever read.
The story and the most gorgeous artwork ever was all just a thing of beauty. An emotional but made me happy thing of beauty.
I am not sharing the artwork in my review because honestly, it truly it needs to be viewed while reading but I of course have to give you something.
I don't know what I was waiting for, but I seriously waited way too long to read this one.
One of the best Sterek fics that wasn't exactly a Sterek fic that I have ever read.
March 15, 2016
3.5 Super sweet stars.
This could easily be a story about any two characters, it is totally unrelated to the show.
It was a little repetitive at times and somewhat dragged out but it was a lovely story and I really enjoyed watching them find each other.
The artwork for this fic is outstanding. It's my favourite so far.
And the final drawing of both Stiles and Derek done by Tsuminubiaru is just stunning but could cause flagging. It's worth checking out though!!
And lets not forget the fabulous Steve.
This was not nearly as angsty as I thought it would be. I may have been a little teary eyed once or twice but I'm pretty sure that there was just something in my eye. A great Sunday afternoon read, not at all taxing and all kinds of sweet, at times very hot and the usual Stiles humour which is always enjoyable.
"Oh great, you're that guy. The guy who throws stuff at the blind dude. That guy."
I found the information about PTSD very interesting as well as it's something I really know very little about and my only source of information has been from TV or movies, there were some interesting facts in this. The author has a note regarding facts and research at the start which is worth reading.
“I am left with basically nothing. Too trapped in a war to be at peace, too damaged to be at war.”
Army Veteran Daniel Somers
This could easily be a story about any two characters, it is totally unrelated to the show.
It was a little repetitive at times and somewhat dragged out but it was a lovely story and I really enjoyed watching them find each other.
The artwork for this fic is outstanding. It's my favourite so far.
And the final drawing of both Stiles and Derek done by Tsuminubiaru is just stunning but could cause flagging. It's worth checking out though!!
And lets not forget the fabulous Steve.
This was not nearly as angsty as I thought it would be. I may have been a little teary eyed once or twice but I'm pretty sure that there was just something in my eye. A great Sunday afternoon read, not at all taxing and all kinds of sweet, at times very hot and the usual Stiles humour which is always enjoyable.
"Oh great, you're that guy. The guy who throws stuff at the blind dude. That guy."
I found the information about PTSD very interesting as well as it's something I really know very little about and my only source of information has been from TV or movies, there were some interesting facts in this. The author has a note regarding facts and research at the start which is worth reading.
“I am left with basically nothing. Too trapped in a war to be at peace, too damaged to be at war.”
Army Veteran Daniel Somers
June 4, 2016
4.5 stars. This is a thoughtful fanfic written in the present tense by Vendelin. Mostly a curtain fic with Stiles and Derek going about their everyday lives in Beacon Hills, there are no supernatural creatures in this AU. Stiles has been blinded and Derek is a Marine veteran with PTSD. Stiles manages to draw Derek out of his isolation. Some hot sex scenes and excellent artwork.
Art by tsuminubiaru
'After his last tour, there was no hope of him ever returning to who he used to be. Another soldier once described it as being too trapped in a war to be at peace, and too damaged to be at war. Derek doesn't think anyone has ever expressed it more perfectly.'
Art by tsuminubiaru
'After his last tour, there was no hope of him ever returning to who he used to be. Another soldier once described it as being too trapped in a war to be at peace, and too damaged to be at war. Derek doesn't think anyone has ever expressed it more perfectly.'
December 25, 2015
This fanfic could easily be about other people than Stiles and Derek. Just replace the names and it has nothing to do with either of them.
Derek is a war veteran who has just returned to Beacon Hills. He suffers from severe PTSD and he buys a bookshop to have something to do.
One day a blind man walks in. It is Stiles with his dog, Steve.
Stiles keeps coming by the bookstore and it is not long before the two form a friendship.
After hanging out for some time Stiles asks Derek to help him with something. Since Stiles has no experience in the sex department he asks Derek if he can experiment with him..
I really liked this book right up until 86%. When Derek has a severe flashback due to his PTSD and runs away from Stiles. I understand it was hard for Derek to tell Stiles about his PTSD, but not talking about it at all…?? And after he left Stiles at the party, he runs back to New York and ignores Stiles for a month! Why?? This sort of angst really gets on my nerves. I hate it.
So the book lost a star because of it.
A dark Sterek read from Derek’s POV with a small part of unnecessary angst at the end.
Derek is a war veteran who has just returned to Beacon Hills. He suffers from severe PTSD and he buys a bookshop to have something to do.
One day a blind man walks in. It is Stiles with his dog, Steve.
Stiles keeps coming by the bookstore and it is not long before the two form a friendship.
After hanging out for some time Stiles asks Derek to help him with something. Since Stiles has no experience in the sex department he asks Derek if he can experiment with him..
I really liked this book right up until 86%. When Derek has a severe flashback due to his PTSD and runs away from Stiles. I understand it was hard for Derek to tell Stiles about his PTSD, but not talking about it at all…?? And after he left Stiles at the party, he runs back to New York and ignores Stiles for a month! Why?? This sort of angst really gets on my nerves. I hate it.
So the book lost a star because of it.
A dark Sterek read from Derek’s POV with a small part of unnecessary angst at the end.
May 27, 2018
Re-read - Still love this fic, and don't consider it fan-fic could really be put out as original, hell I'd buy it!
Think on this re-read I got the ending more and yeah, it was human, there's no 'should understand' instead there's reaching understanding and being stronger for it. Think I'd actually rate it 5* now.
Well written, very well developed with complex likeable characters and some heat.
-- --
Not really Sterek - with names changed this is a good original fic.
I liked how Stiles' blindness was handled he's still very independent and there's lots of bright personality there, tempered by circumstance. Rather than being portrayed as disabled he comes across as the stronger person here. It's clear while there have been set-backs that Stiles is going to still achieve anything he wants.
Derek has a lot of issues from PTSD combined with a naturally taciturn nature; his first attack was powerful for what was not said, it wasn't aggrandised we're not party to the flashbacks. The writing is really good at showing the changes to him rather than laying out all his problems.
Steve the dog is a sweetie :D
Stiles gentles Derek into relationship status and I enjoyed seeing them become friends and it growing to more, there's some very touching moment and some very Hot smexin' there too ;)
PIC-NSFW
Both boys have issues and the story has angst, is slow moving, but never felt overdone. Minor quibble (spoilery)
Do checkout the art for the fic because it's amazing, I'm in serious awe of both artists.
Think on this re-read I got the ending more and yeah, it was human, there's no 'should understand' instead there's reaching understanding and being stronger for it. Think I'd actually rate it 5* now.
Well written, very well developed with complex likeable characters and some heat.
-- --
Not really Sterek - with names changed this is a good original fic.
I liked how Stiles' blindness was handled he's still very independent and there's lots of bright personality there, tempered by circumstance. Rather than being portrayed as disabled he comes across as the stronger person here. It's clear while there have been set-backs that Stiles is going to still achieve anything he wants.
Derek has a lot of issues from PTSD combined with a naturally taciturn nature; his first attack was powerful for what was not said, it wasn't aggrandised we're not party to the flashbacks. The writing is really good at showing the changes to him rather than laying out all his problems.
Steve the dog is a sweetie :D
Stiles gentles Derek into relationship status and I enjoyed seeing them become friends and it growing to more, there's some very touching moment and some very Hot smexin' there too ;)
PIC-NSFW
Both boys have issues and the story has angst, is slow moving, but never felt overdone. Minor quibble (spoilery)
Do checkout the art for the fic because it's amazing, I'm in serious awe of both artists.
February 14, 2015
Like many readers, I quite enjoyed this.
I thought how these two played off each other and the setup of Stiles being blind allowed Derek the privacy to react and communicate with him on his own terms. He was quite reticent here but a lot of that had to do with his PTSD.
Stiles's back story is equally heartbreaking as well, and his handicap in no way hinders his intuition regarding Derek. He slowly draws him out and pretty much every interaction these two had together was perfect.
As always when a fic is in Derek's point of view, it wins extra points. This was quite a slow burn and there was the usual requisite cluelessness on Derek's part. However I felt it had an extremely erotic build up as these guys embark on a reawakening of Derek back to the land of the living and an awakening of Stiles in all areas of smex. Maybe it was because I listened to this story instead of reading it, but I found it really, really HAWT! Either way - this was another great Sterek AU!
I thought how these two played off each other and the setup of Stiles being blind allowed Derek the privacy to react and communicate with him on his own terms. He was quite reticent here but a lot of that had to do with his PTSD.
Stiles's back story is equally heartbreaking as well, and his handicap in no way hinders his intuition regarding Derek. He slowly draws him out and pretty much every interaction these two had together was perfect.
As always when a fic is in Derek's point of view, it wins extra points. This was quite a slow burn and there was the usual requisite cluelessness on Derek's part. However I felt it had an extremely erotic build up as these guys embark on a reawakening of Derek back to the land of the living and an awakening of Stiles in all areas of smex. Maybe it was because I listened to this story instead of reading it, but I found it really, really HAWT! Either way - this was another great Sterek AU!
December 27, 2015
Derek is an ex-Marine suffering from PTSD. He moves back to Beacon Hills to open a bookshop, and that’s where he meets Stiles. Stiles is blind and he has a guide dog named Steve.
Stiles and Derek have a casual relationship in the beggining, but everything changes as Derek realizes that he's in love with Stiles.
It's really sweet. I thought it would be more angsty, but I still enjoyed it.
Stiles and Derek have a casual relationship in the beggining, but everything changes as Derek realizes that he's in love with Stiles.
It's really sweet. I thought it would be more angsty, but I still enjoyed it.
June 15, 2014
More 2.5 stars, but the accompanying fanart pushed the rating up.
To be honest, I'm not really a sterek fan. I've read a good handful of stuff, but none of it really wowed me like the stuff from other fandoms. Occasionally, I read a blurb that sounds interesting enough to give sterek another go. Cornerstone was a good story. It was a pretty good story up till about 30,000 words, and then it just felt long after.
The story involves the relationship between ex-marine Derek, who suffers from PTSD. He opens a bookshop in Beacon Hills, where he meets a blind Stiles Stilinksi. Their relationship doesn't start off very well, but they quickly become friends. Then friends with benefits. Stiles wants to "experiment" with Derek and Derek agrees to things like kissing, to handjobs, and eventually flat-out fucking.
I should also warn that I'm not the biggest fan of contemporary stories where there's no action or suspense. Cornerstone is a story about two people who learn to become lovers, and that's pretty much it. It was well written, yet felt like it dragged.
To be honest, I'm not really a sterek fan. I've read a good handful of stuff, but none of it really wowed me like the stuff from other fandoms. Occasionally, I read a blurb that sounds interesting enough to give sterek another go. Cornerstone was a good story. It was a pretty good story up till about 30,000 words, and then it just felt long after.
The story involves the relationship between ex-marine Derek, who suffers from PTSD. He opens a bookshop in Beacon Hills, where he meets a blind Stiles Stilinksi. Their relationship doesn't start off very well, but they quickly become friends. Then friends with benefits. Stiles wants to "experiment" with Derek and Derek agrees to things like kissing, to handjobs, and eventually flat-out fucking.
I should also warn that I'm not the biggest fan of contemporary stories where there's no action or suspense. Cornerstone is a story about two people who learn to become lovers, and that's pretty much it. It was well written, yet felt like it dragged.
January 25, 2016
Read 12/02/2014 I adored the heck out if this book. Stiles and Derek are great together. I loved their relationship, even if Derek IS too emotionally constipated to realize it is a relationship.
Reread 01/25/2016
Reread 01/25/2016
December 5, 2015
I loved this fic. This was an all human AU, with some of the same characters, but not nearly all of them. The author managed to keep Derek and Stiles pretty true to who they really are, even though they both had vastly different reasons for being that way.
Derek is fairly fresh out of the Marines, and suffering from some pretty hardcore PTSD, and Stiles has been blind since high school. Derek is his usual gruff, socially inept self, while Stiles is just as sarcastic and talkative as usual, but with no mention of his ADD. They meet pretty much by accident, but form a sort of friendship, which oh so slowly grows into more.
My only real complaint here is how little these guys really talked, and how few details we, the readers, got about certain things. We didn't find out how Stiles lost his sight until fairly late in the story, and I don't think we are ever told how the Hales died in this one, only that they were dead. There was no Kate, no tragic dating history, and no mention of the fire.
Another thing that I liked was that this author didn't just stick TW characters into things randomly. I was glad to see the guy dating for five minutes was someone we hadn't seen before, I half expected him to be Matt or Aiden or something. Too many authors try to cram every TW character ever into even the most minor or roles, rather than coming up with their own, so this was refreshing for me.
I highly recommend this story to Sterek and non-Sterek lovers as well. The story doesn't rely on much of the "Standard" TW world building, so even a non-watcher or reader can jump in and not feel lost.
Derek is fairly fresh out of the Marines, and suffering from some pretty hardcore PTSD, and Stiles has been blind since high school. Derek is his usual gruff, socially inept self, while Stiles is just as sarcastic and talkative as usual, but with no mention of his ADD. They meet pretty much by accident, but form a sort of friendship, which oh so slowly grows into more.
My only real complaint here is how little these guys really talked, and how few details we, the readers, got about certain things. We didn't find out how Stiles lost his sight until fairly late in the story, and I don't think we are ever told how the Hales died in this one, only that they were dead. There was no Kate, no tragic dating history, and no mention of the fire.
Another thing that I liked was that this author didn't just stick TW characters into things randomly. I was glad to see the guy dating for five minutes was someone we hadn't seen before, I half expected him to be Matt or Aiden or something. Too many authors try to cram every TW character ever into even the most minor or roles, rather than coming up with their own, so this was refreshing for me.
I highly recommend this story to Sterek and non-Sterek lovers as well. The story doesn't rely on much of the "Standard" TW world building, so even a non-watcher or reader can jump in and not feel lost.
May 4, 2015
This is ... nice. Nice like that blind date your friends set you up on - pleasant, but not sexy or intriguing; engaging enough to spare awkward silences, but not really worth the next day phone call.
Derek has PTSD. Stiles is a blind, gay virgin. As other reviewers noted, this would fair better as an original story rather than a Sterek. Everyone is pretty high on the OOC scale and though set in Beacon Hills with the boys having tragic backstories, it is fairly unrecognizable to the TW world. The story is enjoyable enough, but I wanted more angst, less melodramatic feels, no silly perceptions - I wanted more from this, yet was okay with it being an easy read.
Derek has PTSD. Stiles is a blind, gay virgin. As other reviewers noted, this would fair better as an original story rather than a Sterek. Everyone is pretty high on the OOC scale and though set in Beacon Hills with the boys having tragic backstories, it is fairly unrecognizable to the TW world. The story is enjoyable enough, but I wanted more angst, less melodramatic feels, no silly perceptions - I wanted more from this, yet was okay with it being an easy read.
Read
June 5, 2014Traumatized ex-Marine meets blind and un-kissed college kid. No werewolves. But a lot of awkwardness.
This is a long story with repetitive writing and lots of fillers. So, not exactly crisp. Derek and Stiles are also the sole focus of the story with a bit of Laura on the side - a slightly bigger cast and/ or more of a plot would have been nice. Lastly, I didn't like Derek's character much. It all was kind of depressing.
But the fanart is, indeed, something.
December 1, 2014
Anyone who hasn't read Sterek fanfic should start with this one.
As really, apart for the names of the characters, and some elements of their personalties this bears no resemblance to the show (well actually to any of the other fic, as I haven't actually seen the show).
It's a lovely friends to lovers slow burn romance.
No wolves
No teens
No paranormal activity
Defiantly no lactating!
and there are some gorgeous pictures as well.
There is some angst - and it's about as angsty as I can deal with
But the reason for the title, Cornerstone, was just so sweet.
As really, apart for the names of the characters, and some elements of their personalties this bears no resemblance to the show (well actually to any of the other fic, as I haven't actually seen the show).
It's a lovely friends to lovers slow burn romance.
No wolves
No teens
No paranormal activity
Defiantly no lactating!
and there are some gorgeous pictures as well.
There is some angst - and it's about as angsty as I can deal with
But the reason for the title, Cornerstone, was just so sweet.
May 8, 2015
I loved this one. Despite being a fanfic, I'll echo some of my friends and say that if you'd changed the characters names, I may not have recognized them. This story felt that original. My favourite thing about this fic was the slooooow slide into love. It was so incredibly well done.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
October 3, 2014
I absolutely loved this!
Stiles was his amazing cute self. Loved the glasses even though he couldn't see. Derek was great as well, he reminded me of Huck from Scandal being closed off to the world except when Stiles wormed his way in.
Stiles was his amazing cute self. Loved the glasses even though he couldn't see. Derek was great as well, he reminded me of Huck from Scandal being closed off to the world except when Stiles wormed his way in.
September 6, 2015
Pretty good. Even though there is a little drama, this is a pretty easy read. I really enjoyed reading and didn't want the story to end.
November 9, 2018
Fanfiction- Teen Wolf - Sterek
ETA:
First Read: December 25, 2015 (such a great Christmas present and it's Derek's birthday, too!)
Second Read: July 7-8, 2016
Second time around found me reading this from a very different perspective. When I read this Human AU Sterek fanfic seven months ago I knew next to nothing about Teen Wolf, let alone Stiles and Derek, yet I had no problems following along. If I missed some reference to Teen Wolf during that reading I never knew it. This time around I have over a hundred Sterek's under my belt (yeah, I really should get another hobby, don't judge) so I figured I was bound to come across something that would make more sense now that I had watched a few seasons of the show in addition to having read all the fanfics. Nope, nada. Change the names and this could have easily been an original novel. Sure, like the show Derek's family is (mostly) dead and but they are only vaguely mentioned. He's still damaged but that damage comes from another source (of the writer's original creation), not the death of his family. As for Stiles, his backstory differs rather significantly from MTV's. His dad is still the sheriff and his best friend is still named Scott, but their page time is almost nonexistent. What I'm getting at is if you think you need to know Teen Wolf to understand this book you are wrong. So wrong, in fact, that I feel guilty for not having purchased this on Amazon as an original work and I would have absolutely no qualms about it being PTP (ooh, the horror!).
I mean, come on, Derek doesn't even have a leather jacket in this story!
Original Review- December 25, 2015
I'll preface this by saying I am new to the whole Sterek fanfiction. In fact, I'd never even heard of the Teen Wolf tv show until I looked it up after reading some fanfic blurbs. This is only my second or third Sterek piece and let me tell you, everything that comes next is going to have to work hard to come close to how much I loved this story.
This is probably one of my favorite lines in any book, ever, and is something I think about every time I imagine losing my sight.
Okay, so maybe I don't imagine the bit about the jail sentences!
This was an amazing read. The pace was slow, but in the best way possible. It mirrored Derek, who seemed to be going through life in slow motion as he tried to make it one day to the next. He had demons, but what I liked was the fact that the writer did not turn him into the clichéd tortured hero, aka, the Asshole Hero. Yeah, this guy was tortured, but he just wanted to get to each new day without harming anyone. He did that the only way he knew how, which was to be controlled and methodical. Unfortunately, that left him just going through the motions until Stiles entered the picture.
I will also say that hands down, this book has some of the hottest sex scenes I have ever read. Not crazy, over-the-top titillating just for the sake of titillating; but hot, gave-me-tingles-I-want-a-Derek-of-my-own kind of hot.
I look forward to reading more by this writer.
Suffering from PTSD, ex-Marine Derek Hale moves back to Beacon Hills to open a bookshop and find a calmer life. That’s where he meets Stiles, completely by accident. Stiles is talkative, charming and curious. Somehow, despite the fact that he’s blind, he’s able to read Derek like no one else.
http://archiveofourown.org/works/1725...
ETA:
First Read: December 25, 2015 (such a great Christmas present and it's Derek's birthday, too!)
Second Read: July 7-8, 2016
Second time around found me reading this from a very different perspective. When I read this Human AU Sterek fanfic seven months ago I knew next to nothing about Teen Wolf, let alone Stiles and Derek, yet I had no problems following along. If I missed some reference to Teen Wolf during that reading I never knew it. This time around I have over a hundred Sterek's under my belt (yeah, I really should get another hobby, don't judge) so I figured I was bound to come across something that would make more sense now that I had watched a few seasons of the show in addition to having read all the fanfics. Nope, nada. Change the names and this could have easily been an original novel. Sure, like the show Derek's family is (mostly) dead and but they are only vaguely mentioned. He's still damaged but that damage comes from another source (of the writer's original creation), not the death of his family. As for Stiles, his backstory differs rather significantly from MTV's. His dad is still the sheriff and his best friend is still named Scott, but their page time is almost nonexistent. What I'm getting at is if you think you need to know Teen Wolf to understand this book you are wrong. So wrong, in fact, that I feel guilty for not having purchased this on Amazon as an original work and I would have absolutely no qualms about it being PTP (ooh, the horror!).
I mean, come on, Derek doesn't even have a leather jacket in this story!
Original Review- December 25, 2015
I'll preface this by saying I am new to the whole Sterek fanfiction. In fact, I'd never even heard of the Teen Wolf tv show until I looked it up after reading some fanfic blurbs. This is only my second or third Sterek piece and let me tell you, everything that comes next is going to have to work hard to come close to how much I loved this story.
This is probably one of my favorite lines in any book, ever, and is something I think about every time I imagine losing my sight.
"I just miss it. Reading. I miss reading." Stiles' face is turned in the other direction now. Away from Derek. Derek, who has never contemplated that reading isn't a given for everyone in this country. Up until now, he has assumed that some people love to read and those who don't like it deserve longer jail sentences if they ever commit a crime.
Okay, so maybe I don't imagine the bit about the jail sentences!
This was an amazing read. The pace was slow, but in the best way possible. It mirrored Derek, who seemed to be going through life in slow motion as he tried to make it one day to the next. He had demons, but what I liked was the fact that the writer did not turn him into the clichéd tortured hero, aka, the Asshole Hero. Yeah, this guy was tortured, but he just wanted to get to each new day without harming anyone. He did that the only way he knew how, which was to be controlled and methodical. Unfortunately, that left him just going through the motions until Stiles entered the picture.
I will also say that hands down, this book has some of the hottest sex scenes I have ever read. Not crazy, over-the-top titillating just for the sake of titillating; but hot, gave-me-tingles-I-want-a-Derek-of-my-own kind of hot.
I look forward to reading more by this writer.
August 23, 2015
DNF at 35%. Too much telling, not enough showing.
December 10, 2014
3.5 stars...
First part was pretty spectacular but started to go downhill a little...
First part was pretty spectacular but started to go downhill a little...
May 18, 2019
4.3 Stars
I'm hesitant to put this on the fanfiction shelf because, in all honesty, this read like Original Fiction. Some aspects of the characters we know and love are there, but with this being a AU it allowed for more creative license and divergence from what we might know about them.
Lots to unpack with this one, with Derek suffering from PTST and Stiles blinded by a car accident...so much emotion and angst. It's a sloooooooow burn, and things don't always go smoothly with either one of these guys. I really liked that. I also liked how true-to-life some of the situations read; I'm not visually impaired or a war-vet, but I know people who are. Those instances where "do-gooders" think that someone needs help and does so like an asshole, like they're deigning to do the right thing and should be rewarded for it (ugh)...and where even the simplest, most innocuous setting (or a break in a well-crafted routine) can set off an anxiety attack - those are things I've actually heard my friends complain about.
Super hot sexy times do give the reader a break from the angst. Loved the artwork that was contributed for this story, too. OMG that one of Derek riding Stiles had me sweating, it was so effing hot.
Definitely glad I read it but wow, I think I need something fluffy now. (Probably doesn't help that I read another deep Sterek tale just before this one.)
I'm hesitant to put this on the fanfiction shelf because, in all honesty, this read like Original Fiction. Some aspects of the characters we know and love are there, but with this being a AU it allowed for more creative license and divergence from what we might know about them.
Lots to unpack with this one, with Derek suffering from PTST and Stiles blinded by a car accident...so much emotion and angst. It's a sloooooooow burn, and things don't always go smoothly with either one of these guys. I really liked that. I also liked how true-to-life some of the situations read; I'm not visually impaired or a war-vet, but I know people who are. Those instances where "do-gooders" think that someone needs help and does so like an asshole, like they're deigning to do the right thing and should be rewarded for it (ugh)...and where even the simplest, most innocuous setting (or a break in a well-crafted routine) can set off an anxiety attack - those are things I've actually heard my friends complain about.
Super hot sexy times do give the reader a break from the angst. Loved the artwork that was contributed for this story, too. OMG that one of Derek riding Stiles had me sweating, it was so effing hot.
Definitely glad I read it but wow, I think I need something fluffy now. (Probably doesn't help that I read another deep Sterek tale just before this one.)
February 13, 2015
4.5 stars HOW are these fan-fics SO freaken good?! Loved the slow burn in this. Loved blind Stiles yet totally the same. Loved broken, quiet Derek. Obviously we all knew things were coming to a head, but I did think the big miscommunication at the end was OTT.
And I just have to say, I wish they'd had a better reason for Stiles' blindness. What's wrong with some good 'ol macular degeneration? Don't try to get too fancy, didn't make sense.
And I just have to say, I wish they'd had a better reason for Stiles' blindness. What's wrong with some good 'ol macular degeneration? Don't try to get too fancy, didn't make sense.
Read
February 6, 2022Comfort yearly read.
January 25, 2016
4-4.5 stars
This was a really good story. This is a Sterek fanfiction story. For those of you that don't know...Sterek fanfic is based off 2 male characters, Stiles and Derek, from the TV show Teen Wolf. In the show they're both heterosexual but some viewers have fantasized about them together in a m/m relationship and thus Sterek was born. However...this is not set in the Teen Wolf TV show world and there is no paranormal activities of any kind in the story. Derek and Stiles don't know each other before they becomes friends in the story and outside of the character names being the same and some personality similarities it's not really anything like Teen Wolf so I think it can be read by non-Sterek fans with no confusion.
Derek is a 26 year old ex-Marines. He experienced some serious wounds in the war, both physically and emotionally and suffers from PTSD. His sister, Laura, lives in New York with her husband and kid and Derek settles there at first. He grew up in Beacon Hill but hasn't been there for 8 years until his Uncle Peter's death has Derek visiting to settle things.
Stiles is a 21 year old student. He goes to Stanford for music but is taking a year off for a special project through the University. Stiles lost his sight when he was in his teens, in an accident that also killed his mom. Stiles has learned to live with his inability to see and even has a service dog names Steve but he knows there's still something missing in his life.
Derek wasn't planning to move to Beacon Hill but his visit back there made him realize how soothing and nice it is to be in a small town. He finds a music store that's closed and for sale and he has tons of books his Uncle left him so Derek decides to open it as a used book store. Derek doesn't get many customers but that's alright with him because he doesn't really need the money...it's more something to do with his time. Besides with his PTSD he gets uncomfortable around people. One day Stiles comes and Derek doesn't realize he's blind and proceeds to yell at him for bringing a dog in the story. Stiles had't been around for the last few months and didn't know the music store was now a book store. Of course that doesn't stop him from (rightly) shaming Derek for getting bitchy with him about a service dog when he's blind. Derek is ashamed of his actions once he realizes the truth and so when Stiles comes back later to make nice he's more receptive.
Derek has no social skills...any he might have had when he was younger got killed off by 3 tours in Afghanistan. So when Stiles comes over and starts hanging out for a bit here and there Derek isn't sure what to think but soon gets used to Stiles being around. They become friends and for a while it stays like this. Stiles is talkative and Derek isn't but that works between them. They both like guys and eventually this comes out and they decide to do a friends with benefits thing. They spend more time together and they become more than just friends with benefits but it sneaks up on Derek. Thankfully, Stiles realizes pretty quickly that Derek is emotionally stunted and is patient with him. Things aren't perfect but not overly dramatic either. There is a big shebang at the end that causes some issues between them and I was so happy when they got past it. The story ends with Derek and Stiles starting their well deserved HEA together.
I really enjoyed this story. Derek is damaged but yet not angry or annoying about it. I loved that the story is from his PoV. It would have been easier to write this from Stile's PoV I think, because Stiles is much more outgoing and socially savvy so seeing things from Derek's PoV was a treat. I loved the story, it's both touching and sweet. As I mentioned above, this is a Sterk fanfic but it's basically the characters set in a totally different world so anyone could read this without an issue. I'd recommend this story. Thumbs up! :D
1/25/16 - This is a reread just because. I still love this story. :D
This was a really good story. This is a Sterek fanfiction story. For those of you that don't know...Sterek fanfic is based off 2 male characters, Stiles and Derek, from the TV show Teen Wolf. In the show they're both heterosexual but some viewers have fantasized about them together in a m/m relationship and thus Sterek was born. However...this is not set in the Teen Wolf TV show world and there is no paranormal activities of any kind in the story. Derek and Stiles don't know each other before they becomes friends in the story and outside of the character names being the same and some personality similarities it's not really anything like Teen Wolf so I think it can be read by non-Sterek fans with no confusion.
Derek is a 26 year old ex-Marines. He experienced some serious wounds in the war, both physically and emotionally and suffers from PTSD. His sister, Laura, lives in New York with her husband and kid and Derek settles there at first. He grew up in Beacon Hill but hasn't been there for 8 years until his Uncle Peter's death has Derek visiting to settle things.
Stiles is a 21 year old student. He goes to Stanford for music but is taking a year off for a special project through the University. Stiles lost his sight when he was in his teens, in an accident that also killed his mom. Stiles has learned to live with his inability to see and even has a service dog names Steve but he knows there's still something missing in his life.
Derek wasn't planning to move to Beacon Hill but his visit back there made him realize how soothing and nice it is to be in a small town. He finds a music store that's closed and for sale and he has tons of books his Uncle left him so Derek decides to open it as a used book store. Derek doesn't get many customers but that's alright with him because he doesn't really need the money...it's more something to do with his time. Besides with his PTSD he gets uncomfortable around people. One day Stiles comes and Derek doesn't realize he's blind and proceeds to yell at him for bringing a dog in the story. Stiles had't been around for the last few months and didn't know the music store was now a book store. Of course that doesn't stop him from (rightly) shaming Derek for getting bitchy with him about a service dog when he's blind. Derek is ashamed of his actions once he realizes the truth and so when Stiles comes back later to make nice he's more receptive.
Derek has no social skills...any he might have had when he was younger got killed off by 3 tours in Afghanistan. So when Stiles comes over and starts hanging out for a bit here and there Derek isn't sure what to think but soon gets used to Stiles being around. They become friends and for a while it stays like this. Stiles is talkative and Derek isn't but that works between them. They both like guys and eventually this comes out and they decide to do a friends with benefits thing. They spend more time together and they become more than just friends with benefits but it sneaks up on Derek. Thankfully, Stiles realizes pretty quickly that Derek is emotionally stunted and is patient with him. Things aren't perfect but not overly dramatic either. There is a big shebang at the end that causes some issues between them and I was so happy when they got past it. The story ends with Derek and Stiles starting their well deserved HEA together.
I really enjoyed this story. Derek is damaged but yet not angry or annoying about it. I loved that the story is from his PoV. It would have been easier to write this from Stile's PoV I think, because Stiles is much more outgoing and socially savvy so seeing things from Derek's PoV was a treat. I loved the story, it's both touching and sweet. As I mentioned above, this is a Sterk fanfic but it's basically the characters set in a totally different world so anyone could read this without an issue. I'd recommend this story. Thumbs up! :D
1/25/16 - This is a reread just because. I still love this story. :D
February 15, 2015
In Cornerstone, Derek is an damaged ex-marine and Stiles is a blind college student. Blind!Stiles was surprisingly true to character, and the chemistry of Sterek we all love was spot on. It’s a quiet, intimate, character-driven romance (aka my favorite kind), and I highly recommend it for Sterek fans and newbies alike. Lisa’s review sums it up really well.
My only problem is that I just didn’t buy that the two of them would ‘fool around as friends,’ when Stiles doesn’t fool around and Derek has no friends. Their relationship was rich enough without the casual-sex-turns-into-feels arc, and the sexual experiment trope cheapened a really emotional bond.
hookup culture.
Sometimes I don't understand millennials, even though I am one. There were also some cringeworthy moments of bi-erasure.
But overall, it was a really great story. I loved the supporting cast of characters, especially Derek’s relationship with his nephew. And check out the gorgeous accompanying art!
My only problem is that I just didn’t buy that the two of them would ‘fool around as friends,’ when Stiles doesn’t fool around and Derek has no friends. Their relationship was rich enough without the casual-sex-turns-into-feels arc, and the sexual experiment trope cheapened a really emotional bond.
hookup culture.
Sometimes I don't understand millennials, even though I am one. There were also some cringeworthy moments of bi-erasure.
But overall, it was a really great story. I loved the supporting cast of characters, especially Derek’s relationship with his nephew. And check out the gorgeous accompanying art!
January 20, 2015
Wow. I am not sure this should even be on my Sterek shelf, actually. It read like original fiction.
Derek is a veteran who opens a book shop and Stiles is a blind, younger man who becomes his friend. I absolutely crave character novels and this story read exactly like one! There was slow/burn, Derek's PTSD, Stiles' coping with how people treat his blindness, an adorable service dog named Steve, Derek's sister, Laura, who lives in New York, lots of book reading, lots of talking, and later on, slowly but surely, lots of feels and smexin'! The dialogue, jeez. Amazing. Stiles is smart, sarcastic, so very kind, but quiet. He's not an unmanageable ball of energy, like usual. Derek is even more quiet, but he doesn't conveniently sit and brood without saying much. Both characters evolve alone and with each other, so naturally and so effortlessly that I was honestly shocked I was reading such quality writing for free. One of my favourite stories, not only fanfic wise, hands down.
Highly recommend!
Derek is a veteran who opens a book shop and Stiles is a blind, younger man who becomes his friend. I absolutely crave character novels and this story read exactly like one! There was slow/burn, Derek's PTSD, Stiles' coping with how people treat his blindness, an adorable service dog named Steve, Derek's sister, Laura, who lives in New York, lots of book reading, lots of talking, and later on, slowly but surely, lots of feels and smexin'! The dialogue, jeez. Amazing. Stiles is smart, sarcastic, so very kind, but quiet. He's not an unmanageable ball of energy, like usual. Derek is even more quiet, but he doesn't conveniently sit and brood without saying much. Both characters evolve alone and with each other, so naturally and so effortlessly that I was honestly shocked I was reading such quality writing for free. One of my favourite stories, not only fanfic wise, hands down.
Highly recommend!
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