What do you think?
Rate this book
Preservation #1
Preservation
Fear is sabotage's sweetest weapon.
Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can't afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else's complicated baggage.
When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell's creative writing class, he is only "Mr. Campbell" to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor.
But underneath Ryan's abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can't stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they're willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That's if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don't pummel their efforts first.
Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can't afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else's complicated baggage.
When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell's creative writing class, he is only "Mr. Campbell" to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor.
But underneath Ryan's abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can't stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they're willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That's if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don't pummel their efforts first.
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 8, 2012
103 people are currently reading
4326 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Wade
24 books906 followersDuring the high of the magical indie author era that swept the nation in 2012, Rachael Wade wrote over a dozen romance and fantasy novels about broken characters with tattered hearts. She has since then retired this pen name, so you won't find her on the socials anymore, but she still welcomes rights inquiries and messages from readers via Goodreads. Today she writes horror and suspense under a different name, though romance subplots still make cameo appearances in all of her stories.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews
April 25, 2012
This book was a whole lot of ‘almost there’-s. I almost liked it. It almost had the themes of ow , jealousy, and drama done right. I almost liked the hero. I almost liked the love affair. I almost believed the backgrund.
First off, the reasons behind the hero’s character-that ultimately set up the tone of the book:
A beta man that once got cheated on by the woman he loved goes on a 'penis for all' rampage? He breaks hearts right and left! He cheats on everybody! Still….women fall at his feet.
Really? This from the inferior feeling cutey-pie we meet at the beginning of the book? Pffffft. Right.
Maybe the hero should not have wrote a horror novel but a self help book titled ‘From geek to rake in 7 to 8 days’.
Starting with this disaster, we later find the whole plot was neither here not there with some major WTF moments.
The couple’s ups and downs were confusing and all over the place.
Half of the time I was unable to choose the more neurotic character. Both the hero and the heroine seemed unable to not have hissy fits.
The hero bugged me with his jealousy, fidgeting, and all around mood changes. He is also one of the biggest jerks in actions and words alike.
The heroine had all of those, but with reasons. The thing that bugged me with her was her all forgiving nature. At times I saw a glimpse of backbone, but like in any good romance novel, she looses it the minute the hero comes in to touching distance.
OMG, you slept with everybody on campus! I can not deal with this! Wait…ok. I can.
Well, dear heroine…let me tell you something: You are a lot braver then me. After the 15th woman that he slept with/cheated on came to tell me to watch my back with him, I would have packed my bags and left. Really, I would.
So, about 2/3 in to the book, I was kind of bored. I had no idea why the author kept throwing rocks in the spinning wheels of this relationship. The whole drama and angst deal could have been done pages ago.
I think the author, while writing this, realized she was on a downward spiral...So she threw in .
It hit us, the readers, out of nowhere. And from there on it seemed like the whole book exploded in my face.
Suddenly the couple was separated. Suddenly, the hero was the biggest creep in literary romance everywhere. Suddenly my heroine was in a tropical destination, completely changing her job description.
I was beginning to question if this book had a happy ending….when the author pulled another left fielder on us and just threw a ring, romantic beach and some cuddling at us.
As I turned the page…the story was done.
The only thing left were some completely random scenes from the hero’s point of view, and those were not even the romantic kind- they were the chapters where he is still a raging philanderer.
I thought nothing could make me like him less than the scene at the editors, but gosh even if I for a second forgot what an ass-hat he is- there it was again!
Btw, I find myself unable to not make a reference to the publishing house scene.
This is by far the most disturbing scene I have ever read. This said form somebody that has a reading range from hard core bodice rippers to tabooish incestuous BDSM.
If a hero did this to me…I would have castrated him. And the heroine being so understanding made me feel almost queasy. She also forgave him just before their HEA, because he apologized. And not in a really grand manner either. He just kind of mumbled ‘Oops! So sorry! I wuuuuv you!’
No amount of half hearted apologies could make me get over the fact that
So…bottom line?
This book would have been a pretty ordinary read if not for the fact that it skidded half way trough and went right in to disaster. Very sad. Very sad, indeed.
I still like the wicked cover,thou. :)
First off, the reasons behind the hero’s character-that ultimately set up the tone of the book:
A beta man that once got cheated on by the woman he loved goes on a 'penis for all' rampage? He breaks hearts right and left! He cheats on everybody! Still….women fall at his feet.
Really? This from the inferior feeling cutey-pie we meet at the beginning of the book? Pffffft. Right.
Maybe the hero should not have wrote a horror novel but a self help book titled ‘From geek to rake in 7 to 8 days’.
Starting with this disaster, we later find the whole plot was neither here not there with some major WTF moments.
The couple’s ups and downs were confusing and all over the place.
Half of the time I was unable to choose the more neurotic character. Both the hero and the heroine seemed unable to not have hissy fits.
The hero bugged me with his jealousy, fidgeting, and all around mood changes. He is also one of the biggest jerks in actions and words alike.
The heroine had all of those, but with reasons. The thing that bugged me with her was her all forgiving nature. At times I saw a glimpse of backbone, but like in any good romance novel, she looses it the minute the hero comes in to touching distance.
OMG, you slept with everybody on campus! I can not deal with this! Wait…ok. I can.
Well, dear heroine…let me tell you something: You are a lot braver then me. After the 15th woman that he slept with/cheated on came to tell me to watch my back with him, I would have packed my bags and left. Really, I would.
So, about 2/3 in to the book, I was kind of bored. I had no idea why the author kept throwing rocks in the spinning wheels of this relationship. The whole drama and angst deal could have been done pages ago.
I think the author, while writing this, realized she was on a downward spiral...So she threw in .
It hit us, the readers, out of nowhere. And from there on it seemed like the whole book exploded in my face.
Suddenly the couple was separated. Suddenly, the hero was the biggest creep in literary romance everywhere. Suddenly my heroine was in a tropical destination, completely changing her job description.
I was beginning to question if this book had a happy ending….when the author pulled another left fielder on us and just threw a ring, romantic beach and some cuddling at us.
As I turned the page…the story was done.
The only thing left were some completely random scenes from the hero’s point of view, and those were not even the romantic kind- they were the chapters where he is still a raging philanderer.
I thought nothing could make me like him less than the scene at the editors, but gosh even if I for a second forgot what an ass-hat he is- there it was again!
Btw, I find myself unable to not make a reference to the publishing house scene.
This is by far the most disturbing scene I have ever read. This said form somebody that has a reading range from hard core bodice rippers to tabooish incestuous BDSM.
If a hero did this to me…I would have castrated him. And the heroine being so understanding made me feel almost queasy. She also forgave him just before their HEA, because he apologized. And not in a really grand manner either. He just kind of mumbled ‘Oops! So sorry! I wuuuuv you!’
No amount of half hearted apologies could make me get over the fact that
So…bottom line?
This book would have been a pretty ordinary read if not for the fact that it skidded half way trough and went right in to disaster. Very sad. Very sad, indeed.
I still like the wicked cover,thou. :)
October 13, 2013
1 STAR
Um, whut? Was that translated from somewhere else? Because that tagline makes absolutely no sense relative to this book.
I don't take proclamations lightly but this is possibly the worst NA book I've finished reading… so far (because my faith in this genre to do worse is pretty unshakable). So much so that I feel like I owe the few books I've read and 1-starred (DNFs not included) before this at least dinner.
I refuse to spoiler tag anything in this review on the grounds that I wish nobody the horror of reading this book accidentally. If you're really keen on reading Preservation, please skip on right ahead and disregard the crazy, agonized woman ranting about sense and logic (that would be me).
Just how bad do you think can things get for this genre? Let's meet the cast.
Kate Parker is a college student studying… something. She's escaped the sordid past of a drug-dealer boyfriend, a deserter father and an addicted mother right into Seattle where she struggles to make ends meet by taking an added job in the literacy center and takes writing workshops at night. She has two best friends, Dean and Carter both hot-blooded, straight males harboring feelings beyond friendship for the nonchalantly gorgeous Kate who adamantly friend-zones both despite her repeated proclamations of their attractiveness.
Spoiler Alert, Ken dolls don't have dicks. So swoon your little heart over that, Kate.
Anyway, she pays neithergag drool-worthy men any mind because she's too busy cursing (while also privately checking out) at her professor, the hunky manwhore Ryan Campbell, who has been on her case for always being late for class. Ryan has a reputation of sleeping with his students around campus but only after he's asked them to drop his class. Because, you know, the faculty generally FROWNS on this behavior and not expressly forbids it and Ryan Campbell is a man of outstanding meritorious morals. And besides, he's only behaving thus because he's been scarred by his fiancee whom he caught with a hockey player no ten minutes after he's left for an interview (he forgot his wallet) that would've ended with his literary works published.
Well, if he puts it that way, then I find his behavior totally excusable. I mean sex gods are people too, you know?
So they basically hate each other until Ryan reads Kate's writing and derives from there that she's a literary genius. Then something like non-existent sexual tension and chemistry in a pointless pool scene then boom! They're banging each other.
Okay I may have cut a few corners there but there were A LOT of suddenlys going on in this book:
See my problem with reviewing this book? How can you take any of this seriously? How can the blurb be anything but disingenuous when it promises the thrill and taboo of a teacher-student relationship when it delivers morally apathetic protagonists and a story set in an environment that doesn't care if they got it on or not? If you're expecting a student-teacher story with any perceivable depth beyond playacting during sex then you'd be sorely disappointed.
There was no character development going on whatsoever, no effort to explain any of the characters' behavior and logic. There was no foundation behind Kate, Dean and Carter's friendship. They argue about desserts, Carter fakes a British accent and someone is afraid of heights… and that's it. There was lot of telling without showing giving this story a very porny feel where everyone is play-acting their parts. Badly. As this was told from Kate's point of view and its been repeatedly hammered how good of a writer she is, you never get the sense that she's what the story is claiming her to be. She's getting offers from a good number of PR firms to represent her work and even inspired Ryan to pursue his craft again.
I don't want to get judgy but this character's voice and the character profile do not compute AT ALL. Such that I was so very interested in what kind of writing Kate was engaged in throughout this book but of course, it never came up.
The dialogue was never organic or realistic and the story progression was choppy to a fault, skimming over scenes that would've given the characters some depth. The conversations do not make sense. Ryan and Kate arguing sounded a lot like two deaf men talking to each other where one is talking about football and the other is talking about lunch.
Expectedly, there were several break ups and make-ups on this one. Over Ryan's slut-shamed ex-girlfriends, over Kate nearly getting raped (after some decision-making process fail) and over Ryan swiping the publishing deal from Kate under her nose (that one I actually liked). The last one led to Kate escaping to St. Lucia where she's set herself to teach children to read. There was a moment of honesty in the scene where she's teaching a child, Nanette, that made me wonder why Kate was deprived of any such moments like that? Moments that would have made me at least a little sympathetic towards her and make me hesitate (just for a second) calling her stupid in this colossally bad reunion set up.
Guess what our heroine did there? You're in a foreign country, its the middle of the night and someone asks you to go down the beach? Yes, she automatically assumes it's Ryan, the very guy who just stole her publishing deal and pushed her to run away, and rushed to meet him. In the beach. At night. Alone. Because it's entirely implausible that there are armed terrorists or human traffickers waiting for her there instead.
Seriously did nobody in this book watch Taken?
This got too long. And ranty. Nobody wants to read lengthy ranting reviews, especially from someone like me. So I'm just going to ask again: How bad can things get in this genre?
Too late… this is already a series.
Also in BookLikes.
Fear is sabotage's sweetest weapon.
-this book's cover
Um, whut? Was that translated from somewhere else? Because that tagline makes absolutely no sense relative to this book.
I don't take proclamations lightly but this is possibly the worst NA book I've finished reading… so far (because my faith in this genre to do worse is pretty unshakable). So much so that I feel like I owe the few books I've read and 1-starred (DNFs not included) before this at least dinner.
I refuse to spoiler tag anything in this review on the grounds that I wish nobody the horror of reading this book accidentally. If you're really keen on reading Preservation, please skip on right ahead and disregard the crazy, agonized woman ranting about sense and logic (that would be me).
Just how bad do you think can things get for this genre? Let's meet the cast.
Kate Parker is a college student studying… something. She's escaped the sordid past of a drug-dealer boyfriend, a deserter father and an addicted mother right into Seattle where she struggles to make ends meet by taking an added job in the literacy center and takes writing workshops at night. She has two best friends, Dean and Carter both hot-blooded, straight males harboring feelings beyond friendship for the nonchalantly gorgeous Kate who adamantly friend-zones both despite her repeated proclamations of their attractiveness.
With a body like a Ken doll and hair like Meredith's McDreamy (she's referring to Patrick Dempsey), I couldn't figure out for the life of me what he wanted with me.
Spoiler Alert, Ken dolls don't have dicks. So swoon your little heart over that, Kate.
Anyway, she pays neither
(Ryan's POV) It would no longer be Ry and Jamie, Jamie and Ry, the sweethearts from college, the ones who wanted to live in a little farmhouse in the mountains with two dogs and a cat. It would just be Ryan, the guy with a writing degree and no writing career, the apparent sex god with nothing else going for him except a little charm and some good looks.
Well, if he puts it that way, then I find his behavior totally excusable. I mean sex gods are people too, you know?
So they basically hate each other until Ryan reads Kate's writing and derives from there that she's a literary genius. Then something like non-existent sexual tension and chemistry in a pointless pool scene then boom! They're banging each other.
Okay I may have cut a few corners there but there were A LOT of suddenlys going on in this book:
☢Suddenly, Kate's attracted to Ryan.
☢Suddenly, Ryan stops his manwhoring days and becomes faithful to Kate.
☢Suddenly, Carter foregoes his attraction to Kate and becomes Ryan's number one fan.
☢Suddenly, Dean's girlfriend (Crystal) is besties with Kate whom she is taking career advice from.
See my problem with reviewing this book? How can you take any of this seriously? How can the blurb be anything but disingenuous when it promises the thrill and taboo of a teacher-student relationship when it delivers morally apathetic protagonists and a story set in an environment that doesn't care if they got it on or not? If you're expecting a student-teacher story with any perceivable depth beyond playacting during sex then you'd be sorely disappointed.
There was no character development going on whatsoever, no effort to explain any of the characters' behavior and logic. There was no foundation behind Kate, Dean and Carter's friendship. They argue about desserts, Carter fakes a British accent and someone is afraid of heights… and that's it. There was lot of telling without showing giving this story a very porny feel where everyone is play-acting their parts. Badly. As this was told from Kate's point of view and its been repeatedly hammered how good of a writer she is, you never get the sense that she's what the story is claiming her to be. She's getting offers from a good number of PR firms to represent her work and even inspired Ryan to pursue his craft again.
Holy shit - tattoos. I spotted them immediately. The man has tattoos under all that scholarly attire. Crap. Now it would be even more impossible to focus when I was in his class. I had a serious weakness for tattoos, especially on the arms, and well… he had two works of art with heady aphrodisiac quality sprawled across them: one on his forearm and the other on his bicep to his shoulder.
I don't want to get judgy but this character's voice and the character profile do not compute AT ALL. Such that I was so very interested in what kind of writing Kate was engaged in throughout this book but of course, it never came up.
The dialogue was never organic or realistic and the story progression was choppy to a fault, skimming over scenes that would've given the characters some depth. The conversations do not make sense. Ryan and Kate arguing sounded a lot like two deaf men talking to each other where one is talking about football and the other is talking about lunch.
Expectedly, there were several break ups and make-ups on this one. Over Ryan's slut-shamed ex-girlfriends, over Kate nearly getting raped (after some decision-making process fail) and over Ryan swiping the publishing deal from Kate under her nose (that one I actually liked). The last one led to Kate escaping to St. Lucia where she's set herself to teach children to read. There was a moment of honesty in the scene where she's teaching a child, Nanette, that made me wonder why Kate was deprived of any such moments like that? Moments that would have made me at least a little sympathetic towards her and make me hesitate (just for a second) calling her stupid in this colossally bad reunion set up.
The bartender's voice rang out, holding the phone to his ear. "Kate Parker?"
Still hazy from the shock of my afternoon delivery, I turned and waved my hand, and mumbled something into the phone, hanging up before walking towards me. "You're wanted down on the beach, miss."
"Sorry?"
"Someone just rang for you and asked you to head down to the beach."
Guess what our heroine did there? You're in a foreign country, its the middle of the night and someone asks you to go down the beach? Yes, she automatically assumes it's Ryan, the very guy who just stole her publishing deal and pushed her to run away, and rushed to meet him. In the beach. At night. Alone. Because it's entirely implausible that there are armed terrorists or human traffickers waiting for her there instead.
Seriously did nobody in this book watch Taken?
This got too long. And ranty. Nobody wants to read lengthy ranting reviews, especially from someone like me. So I'm just going to ask again: How bad can things get in this genre?
Too late… this is already a series.
Also in BookLikes.
October 30, 2012
Awful writing, awful story, idiotic characters, awful dialogue!
May 18, 2012
Ok..before I start I have to tell you a secret..I have a strange relationship with free books. When I see a free book on amazon that sounds fairly decent I get it..but 9 out of 10 times I don't read it, it goes in a folder and stays there. Not quite sure why..Then yesterday I thought I'd have a peek at Preservation which I got free and I was hooked from the start...my kind of book and I thought how many of these little gems are sitting on my kindle being ignored. Because Preservation was FAB!! I wish it had been longer though, I wish I could have gotten to know Ryan and Kate better through their past...but what a treat at the end after the epilogue ;0)LOVED that!!! (Won't spoil it!)
Preservation is the story of Ryan and Kate two damaged people who aspire to become published writers and who have erected walls around themselves to ward of love and hurt. Their relationship begins as Teacher/Student but they are roughly the same age due to Kate having gone back to college late). They both carry emotional baggage from their past which creates one extremely messed up relationship! Both characters are completely lovable, I understood them but that didn't mean they didn't annoy the hell out of me at times. Ryan..sigh...my kind of hot arrogant but completely lovable tattooed alpha male..If you read this all I'll say is: PHOTOCOPIER...bloody hell..I had to read that scene twice!!!! (Ok I lied...I may have read it more...)
Oh and I LOVED Carter and Dean..I wanted more of them...
Definitely not enough of this book..that's the only thing I can criticize..I wanted more!
Preservation is the story of Ryan and Kate two damaged people who aspire to become published writers and who have erected walls around themselves to ward of love and hurt. Their relationship begins as Teacher/Student but they are roughly the same age due to Kate having gone back to college late). They both carry emotional baggage from their past which creates one extremely messed up relationship! Both characters are completely lovable, I understood them but that didn't mean they didn't annoy the hell out of me at times. Ryan..sigh...my kind of hot arrogant but completely lovable tattooed alpha male..If you read this all I'll say is: PHOTOCOPIER...bloody hell..I had to read that scene twice!!!! (Ok I lied...I may have read it more...)
Oh and I LOVED Carter and Dean..I wanted more of them...
Definitely not enough of this book..that's the only thing I can criticize..I wanted more!
April 5, 2012
Five Stars =)
Preservation has a great story, awesome characters, tons of drama and romance. Kate first meets Ryan in class as her Professor. The two do not start off on the right foot. Obviously the two has some tension, but not just because she's late for his class. Though Ryan is crazy sexy, crazy smart with crazy hot tattoos, he's also developed a reputation for being one of those philandering professor types. Kate wasn't sure what to make of Ryan. First he scolds her for being late and for being an overachiever, then obviously flirting the next. What to do, what to do?
I love the chemistry between Ryan & Kate. In fact, I've got two words for you...Copy Room ;) Plus the supporting cast is just was wonderful. I love, Love, LOVE Dean & Carter. Seriously, why can't I have two gorgeous BFFs? Yeah, I'm jealous. Brilliantly done Rachael :)
Preservation has a great story, awesome characters, tons of drama and romance. Kate first meets Ryan in class as her Professor. The two do not start off on the right foot. Obviously the two has some tension, but not just because she's late for his class. Though Ryan is crazy sexy, crazy smart with crazy hot tattoos, he's also developed a reputation for being one of those philandering professor types. Kate wasn't sure what to make of Ryan. First he scolds her for being late and for being an overachiever, then obviously flirting the next. What to do, what to do?
I love the chemistry between Ryan & Kate. In fact, I've got two words for you...Copy Room ;) Plus the supporting cast is just was wonderful. I love, Love, LOVE Dean & Carter. Seriously, why can't I have two gorgeous BFFs? Yeah, I'm jealous. Brilliantly done Rachael :)
did-not-finish
May 15, 2017DNF at 17%
Let's write a story with a heroine that is -
*Beautiful
*Cool
*Intelligent
*Funny
*Dedicated
*that every male around wants
*but is struggling to look after a parent/sibling/family member and put herself through college
but isn't like all the other women who are -
*needy
*slutty
*self-obsessed
*jealous
*a bang hole that means nothing
OH JUST FUCK OFF ALREADY! This shit is what the 13-year-old me would have written. I'd be the best at everything but be struggling in one area so people felt sorry for but yet admired me at the same time. An older man that could have anyone would pick me and want marriage and babies and crawl around on his knees doing anything to have me.
And
BLAH
BLAH
BLAH
NO. Nope. No thank you. Stop right there. Red light. No entry. NOOOOO
I'm done. Done done done DONE. What bollocks
Goodbye
Let's write a story with a heroine that is -
*Beautiful
*Cool
*Intelligent
*Funny
*Dedicated
*that every male around wants
*but is struggling to look after a parent/sibling/family member and put herself through college
but isn't like all the other women who are -
*needy
*slutty
*self-obsessed
*jealous
*a bang hole that means nothing
OH JUST FUCK OFF ALREADY! This shit is what the 13-year-old me would have written. I'd be the best at everything but be struggling in one area so people felt sorry for but yet admired me at the same time. An older man that could have anyone would pick me and want marriage and babies and crawl around on his knees doing anything to have me.
And
BLAH
BLAH
BLAH
NO. Nope. No thank you. Stop right there. Red light. No entry. NOOOOO
I'm done. Done done done DONE. What bollocks
Goodbye
July 6, 2023
Definitely the worst, most boring, most unbelievably illogical, absurd plot of a professor-student trope book I've ever read.
Nothing makes sense. One night she swears nothing's giving to happen between her and the professor then the next, they are sleeping together and proclaiming they are each other's "game changer". One minute he is a manwhore with a history (not really history) of sleeping with his students, cheating on and with women, then the next he has decided to be faithful to the heroine and is ready for a relationship.
There's no character or plot development whatsoever. Let's not forget the fact that they both can play season 3 Ross and Rachel very well which according to me are the worst couple with both having shitty personalities, there's also an actual "Mark" here and that situation goes in an extremely unnecessary wild direction for literally no other reason than increasing the page number. Which further made me not root for this couple to get their HEA even at 57%.
Every little fight they had was not only ridiculous but boring as hell. It was so monotonous, I asked myself why was I even reading this. Then I remembered, I had DNFed 4 books before this and promised myself if I can get through the 5th book's chapter 4, I'll stick to it till the end. So I picked a student-teacher trope because I was craving a forbidden romance which could also reduce my TBR.
Boy this was not at all what I look for when I pick this trope. Hell, this story takes the fun out of reading that whole aspect. There's no off the charts chemistry. No panty melting sexual tension. No forbdidden touches. No hero visibly holding himself back from acting on his urges. No sensual seductive actions from the heroine. No secret glances. No him barely hanging on a thread from the unabashed lust they feel for each other. Nothing which makes the "forbidden erotic romance" forbdidden and enjoyable. No inner-conflict taking place regarding him being her professor at all. He might as well be just another stranger she is getting involved with.
UGH. Now I'm cranky. I should've just read a Jessa Kane story. Atleast, she delivers what is expected from her books and sometimes even more.😤
Nothing makes sense. One night she swears nothing's giving to happen between her and the professor then the next, they are sleeping together and proclaiming they are each other's "game changer". One minute he is a manwhore with a history (not really history) of sleeping with his students, cheating on and with women, then the next he has decided to be faithful to the heroine and is ready for a relationship.
There's no character or plot development whatsoever. Let's not forget the fact that they both can play season 3 Ross and Rachel very well which according to me are the worst couple with both having shitty personalities, there's also an actual "Mark" here and that situation goes in an extremely unnecessary wild direction for literally no other reason than increasing the page number. Which further made me not root for this couple to get their HEA even at 57%.
Every little fight they had was not only ridiculous but boring as hell. It was so monotonous, I asked myself why was I even reading this. Then I remembered, I had DNFed 4 books before this and promised myself if I can get through the 5th book's chapter 4, I'll stick to it till the end. So I picked a student-teacher trope because I was craving a forbidden romance which could also reduce my TBR.
Boy this was not at all what I look for when I pick this trope. Hell, this story takes the fun out of reading that whole aspect. There's no off the charts chemistry. No panty melting sexual tension. No forbdidden touches. No hero visibly holding himself back from acting on his urges. No sensual seductive actions from the heroine. No secret glances. No him barely hanging on a thread from the unabashed lust they feel for each other. Nothing which makes the "forbidden erotic romance" forbdidden and enjoyable. No inner-conflict taking place regarding him being her professor at all. He might as well be just another stranger she is getting involved with.
UGH. Now I'm cranky. I should've just read a Jessa Kane story. Atleast, she delivers what is expected from her books and sometimes even more.😤
May 19, 2012
"But this isn’t a story about my coming of age or all the shit I went through growing up. It’s a love story about how I met Ryan. How he stole my running shoes and put reality in perspective for me. In the most infuriating, blindingly beautiful way possible, a way that only he could. And how I wrestled with his influence until the inevitable instilled me with a brand new kind of fear—regret."
Oh yeah , a paragraph like that is more than enough to get me excited to read this ....
*clears throat* Setting aside all the goofiness , lets get on with this review , shall we ...
Cover speak : My first impression of this cover was something like this :
Honestly , I was speechless ... My mind must have said . " Holy wow !! How the girl manages to get such 'awefic' ( awesome + terrific ) covers for her books goes beyond me " .. Just two words : LOVE IT !!!
For those of you who dont know who Rachael Wade is , let me tell you this . She's the author of one of my favourite vampire series fiction Amaranth and The Gates . And man was I impressed with what she did here with Preservation . To see her change gears from a Vampire series to a Contemporary Romance definitely was like a wave of freshness .
The synopsis/burb of the book says it all , so I'm not gonna get into 'whats this book about' part .
Things I loved about this book :
I've always believed in those 3 points right there ^ , and I was so glad that this book is based on those points . Right from the lives Kate and Ryan have lived to the point they meet and thereafter comprises of moments that breathe and live these points .
Faith is the absolute thing for any relationship to susutain . Without love life is lost and Hope ... well Hope makes the world go round . There are definitely gonna be times that you'll one or all of these things as you move along in life but its not like you wont find it again . You will just have to move on , pick your microscopic goggles on and look for it in the right direction ... Trust me , its not so difficult .. Rachael , you have clearly made me a happy woman with this book !!! And I sooo want you to keep writing such awesomeness !!!
I loved the steam facotr in this book . Ryan and Kate were enjoyable characters to read about . They were'nt perfect but thats what made them real . Dean and Carter were an absolute mayhem to read and get to know ... God I want friends like these !!!
If you are a total romance junkie like me I suggest you read this book right away you wont be disappointed !!
Oh yeah , a paragraph like that is more than enough to get me excited to read this ....
*clears throat* Setting aside all the goofiness , lets get on with this review , shall we ...
Cover speak : My first impression of this cover was something like this :
Honestly , I was speechless ... My mind must have said . " Holy wow !! How the girl manages to get such 'awefic' ( awesome + terrific ) covers for her books goes beyond me " .. Just two words : LOVE IT !!!
For those of you who dont know who Rachael Wade is , let me tell you this . She's the author of one of my favourite vampire series fiction Amaranth and The Gates . And man was I impressed with what she did here with Preservation . To see her change gears from a Vampire series to a Contemporary Romance definitely was like a wave of freshness .
The synopsis/burb of the book says it all , so I'm not gonna get into 'whats this book about' part .
Things I loved about this book :
I've always believed in those 3 points right there ^ , and I was so glad that this book is based on those points . Right from the lives Kate and Ryan have lived to the point they meet and thereafter comprises of moments that breathe and live these points .
Faith is the absolute thing for any relationship to susutain . Without love life is lost and Hope ... well Hope makes the world go round . There are definitely gonna be times that you'll one or all of these things as you move along in life but its not like you wont find it again . You will just have to move on , pick your microscopic goggles on and look for it in the right direction ... Trust me , its not so difficult .. Rachael , you have clearly made me a happy woman with this book !!! And I sooo want you to keep writing such awesomeness !!!
I loved the steam facotr in this book . Ryan and Kate were enjoyable characters to read about . They were'nt perfect but thats what made them real . Dean and Carter were an absolute mayhem to read and get to know ... God I want friends like these !!!
If you are a total romance junkie like me I suggest you read this book right away you wont be disappointed !!
May 30, 2012
*I was given this as an Advanced Readers copy for review by the Author.*
“Preservation is a classic story of how love prevails all.”
Kate turner is a twenty-something independent young women trying pay her way through college and pursue her career as a working author. When Kate meets Mr. Campbell: her smooth talking and feisty college professor she is immediately turned off by his obnoxious observations, snarky attitude, and overly confident stature but that is deterred by his good looks dreamy eyes and his love for writing.
As Kate and Ryan’s relationship gets heated will they be able to call their encounters a fling or will their emotions get the best of them?
I loved this book from beginning to end! I can definitely say this was a fast read because I read it in two sitting and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened next when I wasn’t reading. The story starts off with two introductions…one of Ryan’s aka Mr. Campbell’s past and an excerpt building on Kate’s past.
When I first read the blurb I thought this book would fully evolve around the Teacher being physically and emotionally involved with a student but it goes way beyond that and my expectations. Even though the situations in this book are a little scandalous (which is why I read) the Author takes us into the lives of two selfish and unsure individuals and tells their story of lust, pain, loss, &happiness. This book was more on the romance side which made the book really enjoyable in my opinion. We get to see the reasons behind their stand offish feeling about love because of their past relationships that in both cases didn’t go well for both. As you continue reading you see Kate and Ryan’s relationship heat up to something that is just casual sex to something that can become so much more. Of course there are bumps along the way that will test the main characters feelings in the relationship which will lead to a turning point in the story.
This book was by far a great read. If an Author can write a book that has me sneaking into my secret hiding place at work just to read what happens next I give them two thumbs up because that was exactly what I was doing! The characters were fully developed and definitely set in their ways about the other sex and the boundaries that come with it. The Author also lets the reader emotionally connect with the characters to the point that these fictional characters come to life on the page and you will be saying “I would do the same thing!” Just thinking about this book gives me a happy feeling and I am glad I got a chance to read about Kate and Ryan’s story from beginning to end!
Favorite Quotes:
“Your love is one hundred percent genuine and has the power to completely obliterate me.”
Ryan Campbell- Rachael Wade in Preservation
“As much as I’d love to bury myself in you and break the shit out of this headboard, I have one more Christmas present for you,”
Ryan Campbell- Rachael Wade in Preservation
Cover Rating: Slick clean and inviting
Recommend to: People who are over the age of 17 and like Contemporary Romances.
Tt@NeverEndingStoriesBookBlog
“Preservation is a classic story of how love prevails all.”
Kate turner is a twenty-something independent young women trying pay her way through college and pursue her career as a working author. When Kate meets Mr. Campbell: her smooth talking and feisty college professor she is immediately turned off by his obnoxious observations, snarky attitude, and overly confident stature but that is deterred by his good looks dreamy eyes and his love for writing.
As Kate and Ryan’s relationship gets heated will they be able to call their encounters a fling or will their emotions get the best of them?
I loved this book from beginning to end! I can definitely say this was a fast read because I read it in two sitting and I couldn’t put it down. I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened next when I wasn’t reading. The story starts off with two introductions…one of Ryan’s aka Mr. Campbell’s past and an excerpt building on Kate’s past.
When I first read the blurb I thought this book would fully evolve around the Teacher being physically and emotionally involved with a student but it goes way beyond that and my expectations. Even though the situations in this book are a little scandalous (which is why I read) the Author takes us into the lives of two selfish and unsure individuals and tells their story of lust, pain, loss, &happiness. This book was more on the romance side which made the book really enjoyable in my opinion. We get to see the reasons behind their stand offish feeling about love because of their past relationships that in both cases didn’t go well for both. As you continue reading you see Kate and Ryan’s relationship heat up to something that is just casual sex to something that can become so much more. Of course there are bumps along the way that will test the main characters feelings in the relationship which will lead to a turning point in the story.
This book was by far a great read. If an Author can write a book that has me sneaking into my secret hiding place at work just to read what happens next I give them two thumbs up because that was exactly what I was doing! The characters were fully developed and definitely set in their ways about the other sex and the boundaries that come with it. The Author also lets the reader emotionally connect with the characters to the point that these fictional characters come to life on the page and you will be saying “I would do the same thing!” Just thinking about this book gives me a happy feeling and I am glad I got a chance to read about Kate and Ryan’s story from beginning to end!
Favorite Quotes:
“Your love is one hundred percent genuine and has the power to completely obliterate me.”
Ryan Campbell- Rachael Wade in Preservation
“As much as I’d love to bury myself in you and break the shit out of this headboard, I have one more Christmas present for you,”
Ryan Campbell- Rachael Wade in Preservation
Cover Rating: Slick clean and inviting
Recommend to: People who are over the age of 17 and like Contemporary Romances.
Tt@NeverEndingStoriesBookBlog
August 12, 2012
In a nutshell, Preservation is an insta-lust story between two unlikeable characters with no chemistry; Ryan, a college professor and manwhore with his student, the passive-aggressive wannabe writer, Kate.
The sex scenes were hot and I wish they were longer to compensate for all the stupid, unbelievable melodrama. Perhaps, the book would have worked better if the author continued Ryan's POV to alternate with Kate's. Perhaps not.
The sex scenes were hot and I wish they were longer to compensate for all the stupid, unbelievable melodrama. Perhaps, the book would have worked better if the author continued Ryan's POV to alternate with Kate's. Perhaps not.
May 15, 2012
I so wanted to like this b/c I am a sucker for Professor/student relationships. Preservation was a DNF for me. I read half. There was no sexual tension, and no chemistry b/w the characters and I didn't give a flip what happened to them.
April 13, 2012
This review is a bit difficult for me to write. I know that there will be lots of people that really do enjoy this story, and I can respect that. But so much of reading enjoyment has to do with where we are at personally while we are reading, and I'm afraid that there were too many elements of this story that didn't sit well with me. For that reason I couldn't give it higher than a two. But you might be one of those who adore this story, so don't totally let me dissuade you from reading this story if you are so inclined.
This is a love story that takes place between an older college student and her not-much-older professor. He is supposed to be a talented writer who blew his one chance at a publishing deal after running home unexpectedly to find his fiancee in someone else's arms. He's bitter, to say the least, and he now spends his time teaching at a college while running from uncommitted relationship to uncommitted relationship -- often with girls who are his students. This really, really bothered me a lot. I couldn't pull myself away from thinking about my own college days and thinking how absolutely creepy and wrong this would be in a real life situation. Ick! There are just some lines that shouldn't be crossed, and a playboy professor who "loves" and leaves his own students with regularity just creeped me out. I couldn't get over this initial distaste for Ryan. I guess I understand that he had been badly hurt in his one serious relationship before, so there supposedly was this reason for his behavior, but I wasn't buying that. He was behaving like a royal jerk for the beginning chapters of this book. That isn't unusual in love stories. Look at stories like Pride and Prejudice where the heroes of the story start out with extremely rude behavior but prove to be diamonds in the rough. I can deal with that if I can see the transformation of their character enough in the story to buy into the idea that they truly are worth pining for. But that just didn't occur in this book in my opinion.
Ryan was cocky and rude to Kate at the very beginning of the story as she entered his class late. He wasn't inspiring any warm and fuzzy feelings from me at that point. And then as the parade of ladies in his life started prancing through the story I was further annoyed with him. But that was the point, I'm sure. I wasn't meant to like him much at first. Unfortunately the jump from "you're a jerk" to "I think you're kind of awesome" occurred much too quickly. Why did Kate go so quickly to desiring him as a companion (or whatever you call what she wanted in this relationship)? It is never made clear. Supposedly they share this great passion for each other's writing -- well, mostly his passion for her writing since she doesn't really get to look at his novel until later in the book. But they never talk about it other than to give a few "your writing is brilliant" statements here and there. They never seem to talk to each other about anything at all. One minute Kate can't stand the man, and the next minute she is swaying in his arm at a local music gig. How did that happen? If I could follow the flow of their relationship I could have been more on board with the whole thing, but things went so quickly that I was often shaking my head wondering what I was missing. They went from having a horrible argument about being unfaithful to "I love you" in the space of two pages. I love you? Really? Why do you love each other. As a reader I'm not supposed to just fall into place with this sentiment. I should be able to find myself falling in love with the relationship as well as I read, but it just didn't happen for me.
I understand that Kate had her issues to get over, and for that reason she had thrown up all of these walls of protection, but the reasons for this really were not explored at all. They were just mentioned in passing, and that kept me from being fully invested in seeing her overcome this in order to find love with Ryan. Ryan had his issues too, and they were biggies, but yet again it seems as if he dealt with them outside the pages of this book, so I couldn't buy his eventual finding of peace and contentment after years of struggling with the demons of his past. Too little time was spent in this book really attacking the underlying problems that kept these two people apart, and for that reason their characters, especially Ryan's, felt a bit flat to me.
I didn't really care at all for the big disaster of a publisher meeting that Kate experienced at the latter end of the book. It was horrible, and she was treated abominably, but it seemed so completely unrealistic to me. Not that things like that don't happen. They do, far too often. It just seemed to be such a crazy over-the-top sort of plan that these two men planned for Kate. How in the world did they think that they would ever get away with this? It just rubbed me the wrong way, and I just didn't react the way to this event that I know the writer expected me to react. So I was further thrown out of the story as I worked through my irritation with this being the scene that was going to prove so pivotal in this relationship. Not everyone will feel that way, I'm sure. It just hit me wrong in the context of this story.
The final straw for me was Ryan's butthead of a move at the end of the book. That was a low blow and almost unforgiveable in my opinion. He was hurting. I get it. He wanted to separate himself from this painful situation. I get it. But to do what he did? Without spoiling anything I just say this: Ryan, you are officially one of the biggest jerk book "boyfriends" I have ever read about. I was fuming as I read that scene. What a horrible, horrible thing to do to Kate to get back at her for the hurt she caused you! Especially as she was obviously working through the fallout from her last publishing meeting experience! Urg! How I hated Ryan at this moment! But this is a book, and it is a romance, so Ryan and Kate have to end up together. I understand that. But for him to just show up with a quick "I screwed up" and an equally quick "So did I. All's forgiven" moment to make it all go away made me even madder. Oh no, buddy. This requires more than a half of a line to get that act out of my head as a reader. I was still mad. But all was well in the world of Ryan and Kate, so I never could work through my anger issues on this point. I ended the book with a very sour taste in my mouth.
There are two additional chapters at the end that are scenes from the book told through Ryan's point of view. Normally, I LOVE these additions to books. But these didn't work at all for me. If possible, even after ending the book disliking Ryan so much as a character, I ended up hating him even more after hearing his inner thoughts during these pivotal scenes. He just seemed horribly shallow to me. Why in the world did he keep saying that Kate was too good for him? I happen to agree wholeheartedly, but the reality is that they never had enough of a conversation for him to explain how he could come to that conclusion. Was it her writing? Okay, then spend a bit of time explaining just why her writing is so awesome, so raw, so moving. I never understood this at all. And for that reason I never fully got on the Ryan and Kate boat for this book.
Rachael Wade obviously is a talented writer. I am still planning on reading other books written by her because they seem intriguing to me, but this book just never sat right with me, so I couldn't enjoy it at all. However, you might not find this to be the case. For me, however, this will not end up on my favorites list. I think I will stick with one of my favorite romances about a professor and student who find themselves in love after getting to know each other and their passion for a subject -- Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard. It's a good one!
This is a love story that takes place between an older college student and her not-much-older professor. He is supposed to be a talented writer who blew his one chance at a publishing deal after running home unexpectedly to find his fiancee in someone else's arms. He's bitter, to say the least, and he now spends his time teaching at a college while running from uncommitted relationship to uncommitted relationship -- often with girls who are his students. This really, really bothered me a lot. I couldn't pull myself away from thinking about my own college days and thinking how absolutely creepy and wrong this would be in a real life situation. Ick! There are just some lines that shouldn't be crossed, and a playboy professor who "loves" and leaves his own students with regularity just creeped me out. I couldn't get over this initial distaste for Ryan. I guess I understand that he had been badly hurt in his one serious relationship before, so there supposedly was this reason for his behavior, but I wasn't buying that. He was behaving like a royal jerk for the beginning chapters of this book. That isn't unusual in love stories. Look at stories like Pride and Prejudice where the heroes of the story start out with extremely rude behavior but prove to be diamonds in the rough. I can deal with that if I can see the transformation of their character enough in the story to buy into the idea that they truly are worth pining for. But that just didn't occur in this book in my opinion.
Ryan was cocky and rude to Kate at the very beginning of the story as she entered his class late. He wasn't inspiring any warm and fuzzy feelings from me at that point. And then as the parade of ladies in his life started prancing through the story I was further annoyed with him. But that was the point, I'm sure. I wasn't meant to like him much at first. Unfortunately the jump from "you're a jerk" to "I think you're kind of awesome" occurred much too quickly. Why did Kate go so quickly to desiring him as a companion (or whatever you call what she wanted in this relationship)? It is never made clear. Supposedly they share this great passion for each other's writing -- well, mostly his passion for her writing since she doesn't really get to look at his novel until later in the book. But they never talk about it other than to give a few "your writing is brilliant" statements here and there. They never seem to talk to each other about anything at all. One minute Kate can't stand the man, and the next minute she is swaying in his arm at a local music gig. How did that happen? If I could follow the flow of their relationship I could have been more on board with the whole thing, but things went so quickly that I was often shaking my head wondering what I was missing. They went from having a horrible argument about being unfaithful to "I love you" in the space of two pages. I love you? Really? Why do you love each other. As a reader I'm not supposed to just fall into place with this sentiment. I should be able to find myself falling in love with the relationship as well as I read, but it just didn't happen for me.
I understand that Kate had her issues to get over, and for that reason she had thrown up all of these walls of protection, but the reasons for this really were not explored at all. They were just mentioned in passing, and that kept me from being fully invested in seeing her overcome this in order to find love with Ryan. Ryan had his issues too, and they were biggies, but yet again it seems as if he dealt with them outside the pages of this book, so I couldn't buy his eventual finding of peace and contentment after years of struggling with the demons of his past. Too little time was spent in this book really attacking the underlying problems that kept these two people apart, and for that reason their characters, especially Ryan's, felt a bit flat to me.
I didn't really care at all for the big disaster of a publisher meeting that Kate experienced at the latter end of the book. It was horrible, and she was treated abominably, but it seemed so completely unrealistic to me. Not that things like that don't happen. They do, far too often. It just seemed to be such a crazy over-the-top sort of plan that these two men planned for Kate. How in the world did they think that they would ever get away with this? It just rubbed me the wrong way, and I just didn't react the way to this event that I know the writer expected me to react. So I was further thrown out of the story as I worked through my irritation with this being the scene that was going to prove so pivotal in this relationship. Not everyone will feel that way, I'm sure. It just hit me wrong in the context of this story.
The final straw for me was Ryan's butthead of a move at the end of the book. That was a low blow and almost unforgiveable in my opinion. He was hurting. I get it. He wanted to separate himself from this painful situation. I get it. But to do what he did? Without spoiling anything I just say this: Ryan, you are officially one of the biggest jerk book "boyfriends" I have ever read about. I was fuming as I read that scene. What a horrible, horrible thing to do to Kate to get back at her for the hurt she caused you! Especially as she was obviously working through the fallout from her last publishing meeting experience! Urg! How I hated Ryan at this moment! But this is a book, and it is a romance, so Ryan and Kate have to end up together. I understand that. But for him to just show up with a quick "I screwed up" and an equally quick "So did I. All's forgiven" moment to make it all go away made me even madder. Oh no, buddy. This requires more than a half of a line to get that act out of my head as a reader. I was still mad. But all was well in the world of Ryan and Kate, so I never could work through my anger issues on this point. I ended the book with a very sour taste in my mouth.
There are two additional chapters at the end that are scenes from the book told through Ryan's point of view. Normally, I LOVE these additions to books. But these didn't work at all for me. If possible, even after ending the book disliking Ryan so much as a character, I ended up hating him even more after hearing his inner thoughts during these pivotal scenes. He just seemed horribly shallow to me. Why in the world did he keep saying that Kate was too good for him? I happen to agree wholeheartedly, but the reality is that they never had enough of a conversation for him to explain how he could come to that conclusion. Was it her writing? Okay, then spend a bit of time explaining just why her writing is so awesome, so raw, so moving. I never understood this at all. And for that reason I never fully got on the Ryan and Kate boat for this book.
Rachael Wade obviously is a talented writer. I am still planning on reading other books written by her because they seem intriguing to me, but this book just never sat right with me, so I couldn't enjoy it at all. However, you might not find this to be the case. For me, however, this will not end up on my favorites list. I think I will stick with one of my favorite romances about a professor and student who find themselves in love after getting to know each other and their passion for a subject -- Gabriel's Inferno by Sylvain Reynard. It's a good one!
October 21, 2013
Review from Way Too Hot Books
I have to be honest with you - I've read Preservation by Rachael Wade against all warnings my friends gave me when they saw that I had put it on my currently reading shelf. After first ten pages or so I thought that they probably had read the different book or something like that. But... They know me well.
What initially got my attention was the story. Kate is this kick ass heroine who tries as best as she can to escape her past and make something out of herself without anyone's help. She is starting college at age of 21 and her willingness to learn and grow is one of the things I find as big plus. First time she meet Ryan, her creative writing teacher, was probably the best scene in the whole book.
On the other hand, Ryan had his two or three spotlight moments, but for the most part he annoyed the hell out of me. I didn't find the whole explanation for his womanizing and sleeping around with his students believable at all - it just made him look self-centered, selfish and weak minded.
The taboo relationship. Preservation had a lot of potential, it has intriguing premise and several times it made me feel this crazy Christian Gray vibe. But somewhere along the road, things went downhill. Ryan and Kate's relationship develops too quickly and in span of few days they go from total strangers to I-love-yous phase. But that maybe wouldn't be such a big problem for me if there was this burn Earth to to ground-hot chemistry between them. There weren't or at least I didn't feel it. Only exiting part is forbidden romance fantasy about getting hot and heavy with your teacher. Speaking about it, I have to say that it wasn't that much of a taboo. It's obvious from the story that no matter all the rules, that type of relationship is something that is socially acceptable and, based on this specific storyline, not so unusual for Mr. Campbell. once again, in New Adult novels breaching this subject, whole focus is on the love story and steamy scenes.
Who should read this novel? All fans of Teresa Mummert and her Honor Student series.
I have to be honest with you - I've read Preservation by Rachael Wade against all warnings my friends gave me when they saw that I had put it on my currently reading shelf. After first ten pages or so I thought that they probably had read the different book or something like that. But... They know me well.
What initially got my attention was the story. Kate is this kick ass heroine who tries as best as she can to escape her past and make something out of herself without anyone's help. She is starting college at age of 21 and her willingness to learn and grow is one of the things I find as big plus. First time she meet Ryan, her creative writing teacher, was probably the best scene in the whole book.
On the other hand, Ryan had his two or three spotlight moments, but for the most part he annoyed the hell out of me. I didn't find the whole explanation for his womanizing and sleeping around with his students believable at all - it just made him look self-centered, selfish and weak minded.
The taboo relationship. Preservation had a lot of potential, it has intriguing premise and several times it made me feel this crazy Christian Gray vibe. But somewhere along the road, things went downhill. Ryan and Kate's relationship develops too quickly and in span of few days they go from total strangers to I-love-yous phase. But that maybe wouldn't be such a big problem for me if there was this burn Earth to to ground-hot chemistry between them. There weren't or at least I didn't feel it. Only exiting part is forbidden romance fantasy about getting hot and heavy with your teacher. Speaking about it, I have to say that it wasn't that much of a taboo. It's obvious from the story that no matter all the rules, that type of relationship is something that is socially acceptable and, based on this specific storyline, not so unusual for Mr. Campbell. once again, in New Adult novels breaching this subject, whole focus is on the love story and steamy scenes.
Who should read this novel? All fans of Teresa Mummert and her Honor Student series.
May 16, 2012
2.5 stars
I want to like this book more than I did because I genuinely enjoyed Wade's writing. I found the book engaging and well-written. And if the story had ended at the halfway point, I'd probably rate the book higher. There was a point somewhere in the 50% area where we could've had a nice HEA and been done with a sweet short story. The second half was just too bizarro and unbelievable for me. Plus, with the extra length, I was hoping for a little more character development.
A couple other things that bugged me, not necessarily related to the crazy plot line, just personal things I want to complain about:
ALL the men in the story are madly in love with the heroine, are aware of each others' feelings, AND okay with it. Get real. Plus, there isn't quite enough development for me to understand the attraction. I get she's a good person, but my conclusion is that she's hot and the guys are shallow, even though her looks aren't super detailed either.
Our hero is throwing his money around, but last time I checked, college professors weren't rolling in dough. Maybe he's independently wealthy, but there's no background info about it. I know it doesn't really matter, but when a guy wants to , I'd think you'd question why or how he would do that.
I'm rounding my rating up to 3 stars because like I said, I enjoyed the writing and if I was in a different mood, I might appreciate the too easy, cheesy story a little more.
I want to like this book more than I did because I genuinely enjoyed Wade's writing. I found the book engaging and well-written. And if the story had ended at the halfway point, I'd probably rate the book higher. There was a point somewhere in the 50% area where we could've had a nice HEA and been done with a sweet short story. The second half was just too bizarro and unbelievable for me. Plus, with the extra length, I was hoping for a little more character development.
A couple other things that bugged me, not necessarily related to the crazy plot line, just personal things I want to complain about:
ALL the men in the story are madly in love with the heroine, are aware of each others' feelings, AND okay with it. Get real. Plus, there isn't quite enough development for me to understand the attraction. I get she's a good person, but my conclusion is that she's hot and the guys are shallow, even though her looks aren't super detailed either.
Our hero is throwing his money around, but last time I checked, college professors weren't rolling in dough. Maybe he's independently wealthy, but there's no background info about it. I know it doesn't really matter, but when a guy wants to , I'd think you'd question why or how he would do that.
I'm rounding my rating up to 3 stars because like I said, I enjoyed the writing and if I was in a different mood, I might appreciate the too easy, cheesy story a little more.
April 4, 2012
Loved,Loved,Loved this book!! Rachael Thanks for writing it with us girls on your mind, soooooo my kind of book!! You definitely got my number when you know exactly what I like in a book!! Just enough Sweet, Steamy and Funny:)
dnf
October 3, 2022Wow the hero was one sleazeball. Instead of finding him charming, I found him extremely repulsive and wished for the heroine to get together with her male best friend and leave the hero in the ditch 🙄😒
May 15, 2012
Originally posted at A Little Bit of R&R Reviews
Kate's life has never been easy, her father left when she was 13 and her mother became addicted to drugs. She's always had to work hard and fend for herself . Now at 25, she is enrolled in college and working long hours to take care or her mother. The last thing she wants is baggage...male baggage that is. Her two best friends, Carter and Dean, have always been attracted to her but are always there to protect her. Carter is hilarious and always jokes around with a silly British accent.
Ryan is the sexy 27 year old writing professor who has been burned by a past love. He's what you would call a man-whore of sorts. Afraid of being burned again, he sleeps with countless women and students with no remorse. That is until he meets Kate. Ryan starts to think she can be another one of his conquests...until she opens her mouth. He is intrigued by her spunk and wonders if she will be a game changer for him.
Can a relationship between Kate, with her independence and take no crap attitude, and Ryan, the self-proclaimed man-whore, last? Will they change their ways to find the love that they both have only dreamed about?
Let me just say that I have been left speechless!! I read this book in less than a day. I was addicted to the story. Kate was so feisty and I found myself cracking up several times while reading it. Ryan is so effin sexy! The chemistry between Kate and Ryan was HOT HOT HOT!!! Like salivating hot..too hot to handle. Be careful, this book may burn you! The story line was AWESOME and that ending...perfect :-) You also get to read some of Ryan's POV's at the end and goddamn I wish there was more!! I want more!! If you haven't read it yet, what the hell are you waiting for?!? I bow down to you, Rachael Wade!
Kate's life has never been easy, her father left when she was 13 and her mother became addicted to drugs. She's always had to work hard and fend for herself . Now at 25, she is enrolled in college and working long hours to take care or her mother. The last thing she wants is baggage...male baggage that is. Her two best friends, Carter and Dean, have always been attracted to her but are always there to protect her. Carter is hilarious and always jokes around with a silly British accent.
Ryan is the sexy 27 year old writing professor who has been burned by a past love. He's what you would call a man-whore of sorts. Afraid of being burned again, he sleeps with countless women and students with no remorse. That is until he meets Kate. Ryan starts to think she can be another one of his conquests...until she opens her mouth. He is intrigued by her spunk and wonders if she will be a game changer for him.
Can a relationship between Kate, with her independence and take no crap attitude, and Ryan, the self-proclaimed man-whore, last? Will they change their ways to find the love that they both have only dreamed about?
Let me just say that I have been left speechless!! I read this book in less than a day. I was addicted to the story. Kate was so feisty and I found myself cracking up several times while reading it. Ryan is so effin sexy! The chemistry between Kate and Ryan was HOT HOT HOT!!! Like salivating hot..too hot to handle. Be careful, this book may burn you! The story line was AWESOME and that ending...perfect :-) You also get to read some of Ryan's POV's at the end and goddamn I wish there was more!! I want more!! If you haven't read it yet, what the hell are you waiting for?!? I bow down to you, Rachael Wade!
August 1, 2012
This was absolutely a great love story! I believe there was a good amount of conflict that really can put you on edge, and for me, I liked that, as there were unexpected turns that this story takes us, and you definitely will want to know what happens next! I enjoyed that part of the story was taken place at a college and writing was a main theme in both Ryan's and Kate's life. Speaking of these two, I think they are both well developed characters. They both have had some unfortunate situations in their past, and in ways, it might threaten the relationship (from casual to serious) that they have wonderfully formed. I liked both Ryan and Kate. In the beginning, we get a peak into Ryan's mind, and we definitely see why and how he turned into the player/arrogant person he is, when he meets Kate. The rest of the story is really in Kate's POV, and we see even though she's 25, she still has the dream to be a writer, to be an author, and enrolls in college, and she doesn't let her past get in the way of that dream. She takes some creative writing classes, and one of them is taught by Ryan. Their love story was written well, and I can see how they developed strong feelings with one another, and how that turns into something much much more...much more...Yes, there are some love scenes, and I think they are necessary, as the romantic tension/attraction that leads to that point really makes you want to, what will happen next, and if you enjoy a good romance, you will love this. I have read some stories that take place in Seattle, and this one was just as great, as there were places that were described really well, and for a while now, I've wanted to take a visit up the coast.
This was a great Novel, and I recommend it! :)
This was a great Novel, and I recommend it! :)
May 20, 2012
***Warning Review May Contai Spoilers***
Rachael Wade is an amazing author!
I cried, I laughed, and I even got angry but the heat and passion that you feel when reading Preservation is intoxicating and surreal. Rachael makes her readers connect with her characters in away that makes you want more.
Kate has had to work hard for everything she had and wanted. Her father ran out on her and her mother when she was young, leaving her to fend for herself when her mother fell apart.
Now Kate is taking care of her mother, working going to school and writing. She has no time for a relationship and after the bad experiences she's had with them, she wasn't looking fir one.
Ryan was engaged to the love of his life and had a lot going for him, that was until he walked in on his fiancee with another man. After this betrayal, Ryan was never able to love again, he used women to get what he wanted and then let them go.
Ryan is a college professor and Kate is one of his student. They both have a strong connection to one another from the beginning, however, Ryan has a reputation of being a player and after the bad relationships they have both experienced, they have a hard time trusting one another. Kate and Ryan know they have fallen for one another, but they are both stubborn and independent that they are having trouble letting the other into their lives.
Is the love they feel for one another enough to survive their relationship?
Read Preservation to find out for yourself!!
Rachael Wade is an amazing author!
I cried, I laughed, and I even got angry but the heat and passion that you feel when reading Preservation is intoxicating and surreal. Rachael makes her readers connect with her characters in away that makes you want more.
Kate has had to work hard for everything she had and wanted. Her father ran out on her and her mother when she was young, leaving her to fend for herself when her mother fell apart.
Now Kate is taking care of her mother, working going to school and writing. She has no time for a relationship and after the bad experiences she's had with them, she wasn't looking fir one.
Ryan was engaged to the love of his life and had a lot going for him, that was until he walked in on his fiancee with another man. After this betrayal, Ryan was never able to love again, he used women to get what he wanted and then let them go.
Ryan is a college professor and Kate is one of his student. They both have a strong connection to one another from the beginning, however, Ryan has a reputation of being a player and after the bad relationships they have both experienced, they have a hard time trusting one another. Kate and Ryan know they have fallen for one another, but they are both stubborn and independent that they are having trouble letting the other into their lives.
Is the love they feel for one another enough to survive their relationship?
Read Preservation to find out for yourself!!
April 24, 2012
Beautiful love story between two burnt people, who managed to overcome their fears and reservations and made each other happy. The chemistry between main characters was depicted so perfectly, that I could feel, and though they both made some bad decisions, they were likeable and nice. Most of all I loved Carter and Dean - I wouldn't mind such loyal friends! I loved everything about this book - it was emotional, sometimes heartbreaking and rewarding in the end despite all the predicaments. Highly recommended!!!
August 4, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
Preservation by Rachael Wade
Book One of the Preservation series
Publisher: Rabbit Hole Press
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Bought on Amazon
(I actually read this book back in June 2012. But, I figured since I just read Love and Relativity, why not write two separate reviews for the books).
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon.
Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can’t afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else’s complicated baggage.
When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell’s creative writing class, he is only “Mr. Campbell” to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor.
But underneath Ryan’s abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can’t stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they’re willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That’s if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don’t pummel their efforts first.
What I Liked:
The romance in this book was definitely both my favorite and most bothersome part of this book. Kate and Ryan are an amazing couple - when they get along. I really like Ryan, and I totally feel for him throughout the book. HIM, not KATE. He didn't seem like the irritating character of the story, and even though the story was told from Kate's point of view, I was on his side, not Kate's.
Nevertheless, I really liked the progression of the relationship between Kate and Ryan. They are so on-and-off, but it helps build the relationship. Right up until the end, they avoid each other at times, and get together at other times. It would always be KATE, jealous of Ryan's past, or trying to exert MORE independence/control over Ryan. I'll get to that in the next section.
Basically, the romance was great. The chemistry was DEFINITELY steamy. Ryan is the good guy. There is a small, insignificant love triangle, but it's mainly Kate and Ryan, with someone who loves Kate, but we as readers know that isn't going anywhere romantically.
What I Did Not Like:
UGH I DISLIKE KATE SO MUCH. Like, seriously. She is the entire reason why this book got knocked down two stars. Or, Ryan is the reason why this book got as many stars as it did. Whichever way you want to look at it, just know that I do NOT like Kate.
I can understand a woman wanting to be independent of her man, and do things on her own. I get that. But Kate... no. She wasn't trying to retain her independence. She was trying to control Ryan and then some. She was jealous of the women of his past, even though she knew all about them. She didn't ever trust Ryan, because of his past, and didn't believe him, or even listen to him at times. SHE IS SO STUPID. UGH. STOP TRYING TO CONTROL THE POOR MAN.
If she liked him so much, she would have made more of an effort to hold onto him, instead of constantly pushing him away. She would have accepted the help when she needed it (and boy did she need it). Sometimes, you need to say "bye-bye!" to your pride and "independence", and let someone help you out. Especially someone who loves you. Oh, Kate.
I totally read this book more than once. But I skipped over many, many parts, and went straight to the beginning, or to the parts where things were going great. Because honestly, the rest of it was Kate moaning and whining and trying to make decisions that she thought were right, but in reality, we could all see that she was just being stupid. Are people that shallow? That's sad.
Would I Recommend It:
Yes, to romance lovers, because the romance and chemistry really saves this book. Otherwise, you should probably pass.
Rating:
3 stars. I will continue reading this series, and probably Ms. Wade's other books, but if the "independence" and trust issues turn up again, I might not be so open.
Preservation by Rachael Wade
Book One of the Preservation series
Publisher: Rabbit Hole Press
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Rating: 3 stars
Source: Bought on Amazon
(I actually read this book back in June 2012. But, I figured since I just read Love and Relativity, why not write two separate reviews for the books).
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon.
Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can’t afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else’s complicated baggage.
When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell’s creative writing class, he is only “Mr. Campbell” to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor.
But underneath Ryan’s abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can’t stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they’re willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That’s if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don’t pummel their efforts first.
What I Liked:
The romance in this book was definitely both my favorite and most bothersome part of this book. Kate and Ryan are an amazing couple - when they get along. I really like Ryan, and I totally feel for him throughout the book. HIM, not KATE. He didn't seem like the irritating character of the story, and even though the story was told from Kate's point of view, I was on his side, not Kate's.
Nevertheless, I really liked the progression of the relationship between Kate and Ryan. They are so on-and-off, but it helps build the relationship. Right up until the end, they avoid each other at times, and get together at other times. It would always be KATE, jealous of Ryan's past, or trying to exert MORE independence/control over Ryan. I'll get to that in the next section.
Basically, the romance was great. The chemistry was DEFINITELY steamy. Ryan is the good guy. There is a small, insignificant love triangle, but it's mainly Kate and Ryan, with someone who loves Kate, but we as readers know that isn't going anywhere romantically.
What I Did Not Like:
UGH I DISLIKE KATE SO MUCH. Like, seriously. She is the entire reason why this book got knocked down two stars. Or, Ryan is the reason why this book got as many stars as it did. Whichever way you want to look at it, just know that I do NOT like Kate.
I can understand a woman wanting to be independent of her man, and do things on her own. I get that. But Kate... no. She wasn't trying to retain her independence. She was trying to control Ryan and then some. She was jealous of the women of his past, even though she knew all about them. She didn't ever trust Ryan, because of his past, and didn't believe him, or even listen to him at times. SHE IS SO STUPID. UGH. STOP TRYING TO CONTROL THE POOR MAN.
If she liked him so much, she would have made more of an effort to hold onto him, instead of constantly pushing him away. She would have accepted the help when she needed it (and boy did she need it). Sometimes, you need to say "bye-bye!" to your pride and "independence", and let someone help you out. Especially someone who loves you. Oh, Kate.
I totally read this book more than once. But I skipped over many, many parts, and went straight to the beginning, or to the parts where things were going great. Because honestly, the rest of it was Kate moaning and whining and trying to make decisions that she thought were right, but in reality, we could all see that she was just being stupid. Are people that shallow? That's sad.
Would I Recommend It:
Yes, to romance lovers, because the romance and chemistry really saves this book. Otherwise, you should probably pass.
Rating:
3 stars. I will continue reading this series, and probably Ms. Wade's other books, but if the "independence" and trust issues turn up again, I might not be so open.
March 15, 2014
This was a free download.
Can I start off by saying I'm totally creeped out by the whole "professor who boinks his students" thing? Even if a school doesn't have a no-fraternization policy - which I find unlikely in this day and age - after a major scandal (which was alluded to in this book) I doubt the administration would continue to look the other way as it happened again and again.
That was just a small problem with this book, however. Neither character acted adult-like. She's 25 and he's 27-28, but they acted like teenagers. I didn't buy either of their backstories as reasonable excuses for why they were both idiots.
Ryan Campbell was on top of the world - he'd proposed to the love of his life and had a publishing deal in the works, which would have been the realization of all his dreams. Then, on the morning of his big meeting with the pub house he forgot his wallet and came home to find his fiance screwing someone else in their laundry room - not ten minutes after he left the house.
While I can appreciate how that would upset a person, I can't help but feel like - based on her reaction to being caught - the signs weren't already there for him. I mean, hello, chick smirked at him when he walked in on her and another dude, then said "you shouldn't have come back unexpectedly". And he claimed that came out of nowhere? Once a bitch, always a bitch if you ask me....
Anyway, that was just the prologue. I guess it was supposed to show how much the sweet man Ryan was disappeared after that, but really it just made me roll my eyes. He got cheated on and had his heart broken so he made it his life's mission to cheat on others and break their hearts? Okay...
Kate was a whole other ball of wax. Her dad ran out on her and her mom when she was ten and her mom completely checked out. She started using drugs, lost her job and their house and basically forced Kate to become the parent.
I can understand how that would effect Kate's ability to open herself up to other people. But so little detail was given about her past - it was all just sort of mentioned - I didn't connect with her at all. It was told in such a detached way I was detached from it as well. Little of Kate's actual feelings are expressed. We're meant to infer them from her actions, I think, which might have worked if this wasn't told in the first-person from her POV...
From there things went downhill (if you can believe it). Even though Ryan was a player who cheated and screwed his students, Kate believed him when he said she was different...even though he used the same lines on her he used on everyone else. Even though she bought his sudden change in personality, I didn't. Maybe because the author didn't do a very good job if making Kate seem like the type a person would want to change for?
Her constant hot and cold routine became tiresome after awhile and I never understood why ever man she met was instantly in love with her. She was closed off and immature; that doesn't scream "I am so amazing everyone immediately loves me" to me.
And that's not even touching on the ridiculous plot twists the author threw in. The whole agent thing was way over the top bad and so was the scene with Ryan at the publishing house. And I won't even talk about her quick escape to paradise or the abrupt ending...
Having said all that, I had a hard time looking away. There was something compelling about the story that made me want to keep reading. I'm going to chalk it up to morbid curiosity, but I'm giving it two stars instead of one since I read it in one sitting.
I have to mention the sequel while I'm complaining about the book. It's told from Ryan's POV and deals with his sudden rise to fame after his novel is published. According to the blurb he struggles not to go back to his cheating, whoring ways while he's planning his wedding to Kate. Can I just say..no. No, no, no. Like reading this book wasn't bad enough?
I am kind of curious about book 3, however, which features Kate's male best friend from this book, Carter. I really liked him so I may read that. Maybe. Someday.
Can I start off by saying I'm totally creeped out by the whole "professor who boinks his students" thing? Even if a school doesn't have a no-fraternization policy - which I find unlikely in this day and age - after a major scandal (which was alluded to in this book) I doubt the administration would continue to look the other way as it happened again and again.
That was just a small problem with this book, however. Neither character acted adult-like. She's 25 and he's 27-28, but they acted like teenagers. I didn't buy either of their backstories as reasonable excuses for why they were both idiots.
Ryan Campbell was on top of the world - he'd proposed to the love of his life and had a publishing deal in the works, which would have been the realization of all his dreams. Then, on the morning of his big meeting with the pub house he forgot his wallet and came home to find his fiance screwing someone else in their laundry room - not ten minutes after he left the house.
While I can appreciate how that would upset a person, I can't help but feel like - based on her reaction to being caught - the signs weren't already there for him. I mean, hello, chick smirked at him when he walked in on her and another dude, then said "you shouldn't have come back unexpectedly". And he claimed that came out of nowhere? Once a bitch, always a bitch if you ask me....
Anyway, that was just the prologue. I guess it was supposed to show how much the sweet man Ryan was disappeared after that, but really it just made me roll my eyes. He got cheated on and had his heart broken so he made it his life's mission to cheat on others and break their hearts? Okay...
Kate was a whole other ball of wax. Her dad ran out on her and her mom when she was ten and her mom completely checked out. She started using drugs, lost her job and their house and basically forced Kate to become the parent.
I can understand how that would effect Kate's ability to open herself up to other people. But so little detail was given about her past - it was all just sort of mentioned - I didn't connect with her at all. It was told in such a detached way I was detached from it as well. Little of Kate's actual feelings are expressed. We're meant to infer them from her actions, I think, which might have worked if this wasn't told in the first-person from her POV...
From there things went downhill (if you can believe it). Even though Ryan was a player who cheated and screwed his students, Kate believed him when he said she was different...even though he used the same lines on her he used on everyone else. Even though she bought his sudden change in personality, I didn't. Maybe because the author didn't do a very good job if making Kate seem like the type a person would want to change for?
Her constant hot and cold routine became tiresome after awhile and I never understood why ever man she met was instantly in love with her. She was closed off and immature; that doesn't scream "I am so amazing everyone immediately loves me" to me.
And that's not even touching on the ridiculous plot twists the author threw in. The whole agent thing was way over the top bad and so was the scene with Ryan at the publishing house. And I won't even talk about her quick escape to paradise or the abrupt ending...
Having said all that, I had a hard time looking away. There was something compelling about the story that made me want to keep reading. I'm going to chalk it up to morbid curiosity, but I'm giving it two stars instead of one since I read it in one sitting.
I have to mention the sequel while I'm complaining about the book. It's told from Ryan's POV and deals with his sudden rise to fame after his novel is published. According to the blurb he struggles not to go back to his cheating, whoring ways while he's planning his wedding to Kate. Can I just say..no. No, no, no. Like reading this book wasn't bad enough?
I am kind of curious about book 3, however, which features Kate's male best friend from this book, Carter. I really liked him so I may read that. Maybe. Someday.
June 25, 2012
I loved this book. I mean, I really loved it.
So many things almost got in the way of my reading this book, it's a miracle I made it through. I'm so glad that I did! First off, I'm picky about what romance books I'll read. I like a good romance, but there are FAR too many that are simply ridiculous. More so than in any other genre. I like to preview reviews before starting one. This one had me stumped because though there were MORE good reviews than bad, the bad reviews were pretty negative & the authors seemed very genuine in their opinions.
What saved me initially was the book cover. I'm a total sap for a good book cover. I'm afraid that had this book been in lack of, I would have moved on after seeing the reviews. Something in that cover kept me attached, I wanted to know. Whomever had such good taste in choosing such an intriguing cover had to be someone who not only knew what they were doing, but also cared enough about their work to put an unforgettable face to it.
I opened the book (via kindle of course!), and told myself I'd just try a few of the first pages. As with the cover, I could just tell that this had the potential to be something really, really good. But...while reading the Prologue I realized that I had a pretty big problem with the idea that Jamie walked out the door that morning, only to come rushing back for a forgotten item to find what horrific thing he found. He was only gone 10 minutes. And was late in the first place because he was so in love with this woman that he couldn't tear himself from admiring her sleeping face. I realize that dramatic effect is good, but not so good when it's too farfetched to believe. I began to think this was yet another...what's that word I used before...ridiculous. romance novel. Then I thought, what if it's a dream or something - giving it the benefit of the doubt, I continued on. The writing is GOOD. So good that I wouldn't believe I had hold of something ridiculous. Good thing, because the prologue was not a dream. I still don't buy into it, but having made my way through the entirety of the book, I do know that there was enough good to outweigh that silly little beef I had at the start. I was very soon attached to the characters and wanted to stick it out with them to the end. The main character, Kate, was fantastic, though I wish the author had provided a little more background information on her and her family. I felt I was missing something there. Her two best guy friends, Dean and Carter...two dreamboats totally devoted to her and in love with her...how awesome is that? Their stories also could have been eked out a little. Carter was the BEST & a little mysterious, too. What was his story? Ryan...was Ryan. Everything with him carried huge emotion with it. If he was mean, he was REALLY mean; and when he loved, he REALLY loved. He could go from one extreme to another in a snap. He could be a little crazy, selfish and off, but he always got the love. The characters in his world were in awe of him. The reader can't help but be fascinated with him too. As much as I loved Kate, things were empty when Ryan was out of the picture.
Rachel Wade's writing is wonderfully intelligent. I'm very definitely going to read more of her work. Fun, emotion-filled, tasteful, smart...adds up to a really good thing! 5 happy stars.
So many things almost got in the way of my reading this book, it's a miracle I made it through. I'm so glad that I did! First off, I'm picky about what romance books I'll read. I like a good romance, but there are FAR too many that are simply ridiculous. More so than in any other genre. I like to preview reviews before starting one. This one had me stumped because though there were MORE good reviews than bad, the bad reviews were pretty negative & the authors seemed very genuine in their opinions.
What saved me initially was the book cover. I'm a total sap for a good book cover. I'm afraid that had this book been in lack of, I would have moved on after seeing the reviews. Something in that cover kept me attached, I wanted to know. Whomever had such good taste in choosing such an intriguing cover had to be someone who not only knew what they were doing, but also cared enough about their work to put an unforgettable face to it.
I opened the book (via kindle of course!), and told myself I'd just try a few of the first pages. As with the cover, I could just tell that this had the potential to be something really, really good. But...while reading the Prologue I realized that I had a pretty big problem with the idea that Jamie walked out the door that morning, only to come rushing back for a forgotten item to find what horrific thing he found. He was only gone 10 minutes. And was late in the first place because he was so in love with this woman that he couldn't tear himself from admiring her sleeping face. I realize that dramatic effect is good, but not so good when it's too farfetched to believe. I began to think this was yet another...what's that word I used before...ridiculous. romance novel. Then I thought, what if it's a dream or something - giving it the benefit of the doubt, I continued on. The writing is GOOD. So good that I wouldn't believe I had hold of something ridiculous. Good thing, because the prologue was not a dream. I still don't buy into it, but having made my way through the entirety of the book, I do know that there was enough good to outweigh that silly little beef I had at the start. I was very soon attached to the characters and wanted to stick it out with them to the end. The main character, Kate, was fantastic, though I wish the author had provided a little more background information on her and her family. I felt I was missing something there. Her two best guy friends, Dean and Carter...two dreamboats totally devoted to her and in love with her...how awesome is that? Their stories also could have been eked out a little. Carter was the BEST & a little mysterious, too. What was his story? Ryan...was Ryan. Everything with him carried huge emotion with it. If he was mean, he was REALLY mean; and when he loved, he REALLY loved. He could go from one extreme to another in a snap. He could be a little crazy, selfish and off, but he always got the love. The characters in his world were in awe of him. The reader can't help but be fascinated with him too. As much as I loved Kate, things were empty when Ryan was out of the picture.
Rachel Wade's writing is wonderfully intelligent. I'm very definitely going to read more of her work. Fun, emotion-filled, tasteful, smart...adds up to a really good thing! 5 happy stars.
May 17, 2012
From the description, Preservation started off how exactly as I expected it would, but then the story took me by surprise. It went in another direction completely, and then some twists and turns were added. Preservation held my attention steadily and, when I reached the end, it left me wanting more. And then the author actually gave me more by including two bonus chapters. *Hallelujah choir*
Twenty-five year old college student, Kate Parker, has a busy life of studying writing and working to pay for college and for care for her sick mother. This lifestyle makes her keep men at a distance in an effort to simplify things. That is, until she starts falling hard for her 2o something year old teacher and he starts falling for her too. To complicate things even more, he has a reputation of dating his students and breaking their hearts. Kate must figure out if she is different or just another one of his flings.
As mentioned earlier, the book summary only describes the first part of book. Her relationship with her teacher, also known as Ryan, gets hot and heavy fast. Their attraction is undeniable and soon things get serious. Then about half way through, things start to change. The student teacher relationship is no longer an issue and the focus changes to Kate’s writing career. As her career takes off, her relationship with Ryan gets rocky.
I liked this shift in the story. It was unexpected but welcomed. If the entire book had been about a taboo student teacher relationship, I would have been bored. Kate goes through many ups and downs and her journey kept me glued to the book. For most of the book, I could never guess what was going to happen. That’s huge a plus in my book. Predictable stories are no fun to read.
I also like Kate’s two amazing friends, Carter and Dean. They are supportive, unselfish, funny, and protective. At times, I thought her relationship with them was a tad unrealistic. Both Carter and Dean have crushes on Kate, and it was a tad bit unbelievable to me that they would change from not likely Kate’s relationship to Ryan to encouraging her relationship with him so easily. Regardless, I still liked their characters and they often provided comic relief.
The reason I gave Preservation four stars is because of my mixed feelings about the ending. It would spoil things if I explained too much in detail why, so I will be pretty vague. Something happens to Kate that’s pretty bad. Something that if it happened to me, would be very, very hard to forgive and forget. Kate forgave just a little too easily for me. I was okay with the forgiving part, but not happy with how quickly she forgave.
Overall, I had a ton of fun reading Preservation. Wade delivers an addicting romance and that left me wishing for more. Seriously, I’m kind of going through withdrawals right now. I will warn younger readers that this book is meant for adults as there are frequent sexual encounters. It is a romance. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book to romance and contemporary readers and fans of Rachael Wade.
Thank you to Rachael Wade for providing me with a copy of Preservation in exchange for an honest review.
Twenty-five year old college student, Kate Parker, has a busy life of studying writing and working to pay for college and for care for her sick mother. This lifestyle makes her keep men at a distance in an effort to simplify things. That is, until she starts falling hard for her 2o something year old teacher and he starts falling for her too. To complicate things even more, he has a reputation of dating his students and breaking their hearts. Kate must figure out if she is different or just another one of his flings.
As mentioned earlier, the book summary only describes the first part of book. Her relationship with her teacher, also known as Ryan, gets hot and heavy fast. Their attraction is undeniable and soon things get serious. Then about half way through, things start to change. The student teacher relationship is no longer an issue and the focus changes to Kate’s writing career. As her career takes off, her relationship with Ryan gets rocky.
I liked this shift in the story. It was unexpected but welcomed. If the entire book had been about a taboo student teacher relationship, I would have been bored. Kate goes through many ups and downs and her journey kept me glued to the book. For most of the book, I could never guess what was going to happen. That’s huge a plus in my book. Predictable stories are no fun to read.
I also like Kate’s two amazing friends, Carter and Dean. They are supportive, unselfish, funny, and protective. At times, I thought her relationship with them was a tad unrealistic. Both Carter and Dean have crushes on Kate, and it was a tad bit unbelievable to me that they would change from not likely Kate’s relationship to Ryan to encouraging her relationship with him so easily. Regardless, I still liked their characters and they often provided comic relief.
The reason I gave Preservation four stars is because of my mixed feelings about the ending. It would spoil things if I explained too much in detail why, so I will be pretty vague. Something happens to Kate that’s pretty bad. Something that if it happened to me, would be very, very hard to forgive and forget. Kate forgave just a little too easily for me. I was okay with the forgiving part, but not happy with how quickly she forgave.
Overall, I had a ton of fun reading Preservation. Wade delivers an addicting romance and that left me wishing for more. Seriously, I’m kind of going through withdrawals right now. I will warn younger readers that this book is meant for adults as there are frequent sexual encounters. It is a romance. Otherwise, I highly recommend this book to romance and contemporary readers and fans of Rachael Wade.
Thank you to Rachael Wade for providing me with a copy of Preservation in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2015
The first half is worth 5 stars for me, but the second part is 3 stars. Hence: 4 stars.
How many times do we say: “I don’t want to be in a relationship” or “I don’t have time to get involved with anyone right now” ? but those statements die in our mouth because when the person is right, we suddenly want to be in a relationship and we suddenly think we have time for it (even if actually we don’t have time at all)
Well, for these two, that is what happens. He is a player, he has his reasons, yes, but he still is and she is so self-absorbed with her mom’s sickness, work and studies that she is not planning on falling for anyone. And on top of all, both had been hurt, so they fear commitment. They fear the consequences of letting someone in. And then, they meet.
I loved the cover of this book and that was what at first piqued my interest. But for some reason, I was drawn to this story from page one. I like the writing, the short chapters and the characters. Well Kate lost judgment somewhere after 50% of the book but besides that, I liked her.
If anything, Carter is a bit possessive at the beginning but then he grows to be one of my favorite characters with the amazing advices that are always perfect and in sync with Kate’s needs.
And Ryan? He likes The XX, that’s all I need to know! And with his perfect abs and toned body… swoon! (I believe a long time ago I mentioned that every sexy guy on earth in mind looks like Ryan Guzman or Channing Tatum but this Ryan feels like Ryan Guzman :D) Honestly though, he had a few possessive/crazy attitudes that bothered me but I can live with that.
Regarding Ryan and Kate’s relationship, I understood their attraction, damn even I was attracted to him after a few pages but I didn’t get the “you are too good for me” thing after seeing each other a few times and spending a few minutes together in total…
Now let’s move to the second half:
- Here it seemed like the author just decided to throw events randomly. I won’t spoil anything.
- Also… There was a plot hole? I mean, how did Ryan and Carter got a hold of Kate when the gala event took place. I mean, yes, they knew she was at the hotel but how did they figured out exactly where she was and that she was in danger for that matter? As I said, I don’t want to make a spoiler so I’m not getting into details regarding that.
- St Lucia is a magical place, even though not necessary for the plot. IMHO.
About the end and epilogue:
- Then end is adequate, nonetheless predictable.
- The epilogue is cute and it’s a ‘happily ever after’.
Overall a good and entertaining read but I would have liked the second part to be a bit different.
How many times do we say: “I don’t want to be in a relationship” or “I don’t have time to get involved with anyone right now” ? but those statements die in our mouth because when the person is right, we suddenly want to be in a relationship and we suddenly think we have time for it (even if actually we don’t have time at all)
Well, for these two, that is what happens. He is a player, he has his reasons, yes, but he still is and she is so self-absorbed with her mom’s sickness, work and studies that she is not planning on falling for anyone. And on top of all, both had been hurt, so they fear commitment. They fear the consequences of letting someone in. And then, they meet.
I loved the cover of this book and that was what at first piqued my interest. But for some reason, I was drawn to this story from page one. I like the writing, the short chapters and the characters. Well Kate lost judgment somewhere after 50% of the book but besides that, I liked her.
If anything, Carter is a bit possessive at the beginning but then he grows to be one of my favorite characters with the amazing advices that are always perfect and in sync with Kate’s needs.
And Ryan? He likes The XX, that’s all I need to know! And with his perfect abs and toned body… swoon! (I believe a long time ago I mentioned that every sexy guy on earth in mind looks like Ryan Guzman or Channing Tatum but this Ryan feels like Ryan Guzman :D) Honestly though, he had a few possessive/crazy attitudes that bothered me but I can live with that.
Regarding Ryan and Kate’s relationship, I understood their attraction, damn even I was attracted to him after a few pages but I didn’t get the “you are too good for me” thing after seeing each other a few times and spending a few minutes together in total…
Now let’s move to the second half:
- Here it seemed like the author just decided to throw events randomly. I won’t spoil anything.
- Also… There was a plot hole? I mean, how did Ryan and Carter got a hold of Kate when the gala event took place. I mean, yes, they knew she was at the hotel but how did they figured out exactly where she was and that she was in danger for that matter? As I said, I don’t want to make a spoiler so I’m not getting into details regarding that.
- St Lucia is a magical place, even though not necessary for the plot. IMHO.
About the end and epilogue:
- Then end is adequate, nonetheless predictable.
- The epilogue is cute and it’s a ‘happily ever after’.
Overall a good and entertaining read but I would have liked the second part to be a bit different.
August 27, 2012
Last night I had a hard time falling asleep and decided to pick up a book that would be a fast read. I read the opening to Preservation and immediately found myself enthralled in the story. I knew from the opening that I could zoom through it.
It was definitely a fast read, very interesting, and for whatever reason, as much I wanted to DNF it, I couldn't. I read it until the end and was bothered by it all.
First I would like to say, it does have some sexy steamy scenes that I did enjoy. The beginning was great and I loved the tension between Ryan and Kate. I also loved Kate's best friends and even thought to myself that the girl was lucky to have them.
It wasn't until Ryan and Kate begin their little secret relationship that I really started to get bothered. I mean I don't even know where to begin. It felt like the author was trying to show readers that they were both messed up somehow, but finding each other and falling in love is what heals them. But it was the way she did this, that left me wondering how is their relationship good? It was abusive, controlling, manipulative, spiteful, I mean you name it, that's Preservation.
Any love I had for Ryan went out the door when he began to do things to Kate just because he wanted to show her that he can give her something and he can also take it away. There wasn't anything to like about them as a couple, at all. They purposely would do things to each other, Ryan had so many issues and needed to be seen by someone. I just couldn't grasp why Kate would want someone like him in her life. He was crazy!
Then, there was a scene that I felt was pointless. It just came off as if the author added it just to give the story a bit of excitement. I didn't buy it and I didn't buy Kate's reactions afterwards. The last straw for me was towards the end. If Ryan did to me what he had done to Kate, I would never want to see him again. I mean EVER! I don't like to share spoilers, but I will say that what he did was so spiteful and evil, that I thought that was it. It's her career on the line and he shot it right to hell. That would have done it for me. He didn't care about her, or her feelings. He wanted a puppet. I really thought she would move on and start fresh, but no, she forgives him again.
I feel like I am ranting now and jumping all over the place because I am so bothered by this book.
I don't recommend this book to anyone.
Is this the end of the road for me with Rachel Wade? No. I did like her writing style and the way she put this book together. The sexy scenes, before I began to hate their relationship, were juicy. I would like to try her other books, but I am worried about her characters.
1 out of 5 stars!
It was definitely a fast read, very interesting, and for whatever reason, as much I wanted to DNF it, I couldn't. I read it until the end and was bothered by it all.
First I would like to say, it does have some sexy steamy scenes that I did enjoy. The beginning was great and I loved the tension between Ryan and Kate. I also loved Kate's best friends and even thought to myself that the girl was lucky to have them.
It wasn't until Ryan and Kate begin their little secret relationship that I really started to get bothered. I mean I don't even know where to begin. It felt like the author was trying to show readers that they were both messed up somehow, but finding each other and falling in love is what heals them. But it was the way she did this, that left me wondering how is their relationship good? It was abusive, controlling, manipulative, spiteful, I mean you name it, that's Preservation.
Any love I had for Ryan went out the door when he began to do things to Kate just because he wanted to show her that he can give her something and he can also take it away. There wasn't anything to like about them as a couple, at all. They purposely would do things to each other, Ryan had so many issues and needed to be seen by someone. I just couldn't grasp why Kate would want someone like him in her life. He was crazy!
Then, there was a scene that I felt was pointless. It just came off as if the author added it just to give the story a bit of excitement. I didn't buy it and I didn't buy Kate's reactions afterwards. The last straw for me was towards the end. If Ryan did to me what he had done to Kate, I would never want to see him again. I mean EVER! I don't like to share spoilers, but I will say that what he did was so spiteful and evil, that I thought that was it. It's her career on the line and he shot it right to hell. That would have done it for me. He didn't care about her, or her feelings. He wanted a puppet. I really thought she would move on and start fresh, but no, she forgives him again.
I feel like I am ranting now and jumping all over the place because I am so bothered by this book.
I don't recommend this book to anyone.
Is this the end of the road for me with Rachel Wade? No. I did like her writing style and the way she put this book together. The sexy scenes, before I began to hate their relationship, were juicy. I would like to try her other books, but I am worried about her characters.
1 out of 5 stars!
May 24, 2012
I am a huge fan of Rachael Wade's highly addictive Resistance trilogy, but I have to say Preservation I love just that little bit more. I was instantly engaged and interested in the storyline. And as usual Rachael Wade's writing style is superb. I genuinely cared about the main character Kate, who was well developed and intriguing. Wade really can turn her hand to anything, genre wise and this stunning contemporary romance proves it.
Kate has a talent for writing and she works hard tutoring to be able to afford her collage fees, to better her writing craft. She has two best friends called Carter and Dean, who would like more than friendship, but Kate has no time for romance. When Kate attends Mr Ryan Campbell's creative writing class she finds herself attracted to him. He also loves her writing and praises her, the attraction seems to be mutual.
Will Kate let this man, who has a bad reputation as a playboy, into her life? Well lets just say he makes her heart melt and he admits his past wicked ways. But Ryan has things from his past that haunts his present with Kate.
Kate goes through so much throughout the book, love, loss, hurt, disappointment and happiness. And Rachael Wade handles the darker events in the book brilliantly. I loved the ending and I couldn't of been more made up with the outcome. This is one of them unforgettable novels that I think will appeal to a wide audience, I really think most people will love it. Pick it up today. :)
If you want a light, quick read that is filled with emotions, fabulous characters and one seriously sexy man, then this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed.
My favourite characters:
Dean and Carter: They come as a duo really, they are genuine good guys who are both down-to-earth, like able, funny and definitely 2 guys I would love to have as friends.
Ryan: Who hasn't had a crush on a teacher, right? lol Well Mr Campbell is one I definitely would of had a crush on. He is intelligent, charming when he wants to be, warm, kind and did I mention sexy? I think I did lol ;)
*Special thanks to Rachael for the review copy*
5/5 Stars
Carly :)
http://fictionfascination.blogspot.co...
Kate has a talent for writing and she works hard tutoring to be able to afford her collage fees, to better her writing craft. She has two best friends called Carter and Dean, who would like more than friendship, but Kate has no time for romance. When Kate attends Mr Ryan Campbell's creative writing class she finds herself attracted to him. He also loves her writing and praises her, the attraction seems to be mutual.
Will Kate let this man, who has a bad reputation as a playboy, into her life? Well lets just say he makes her heart melt and he admits his past wicked ways. But Ryan has things from his past that haunts his present with Kate.
Kate goes through so much throughout the book, love, loss, hurt, disappointment and happiness. And Rachael Wade handles the darker events in the book brilliantly. I loved the ending and I couldn't of been more made up with the outcome. This is one of them unforgettable novels that I think will appeal to a wide audience, I really think most people will love it. Pick it up today. :)
If you want a light, quick read that is filled with emotions, fabulous characters and one seriously sexy man, then this is the book for you. You will not be disappointed.
My favourite characters:
Dean and Carter: They come as a duo really, they are genuine good guys who are both down-to-earth, like able, funny and definitely 2 guys I would love to have as friends.
Ryan: Who hasn't had a crush on a teacher, right? lol Well Mr Campbell is one I definitely would of had a crush on. He is intelligent, charming when he wants to be, warm, kind and did I mention sexy? I think I did lol ;)
*Special thanks to Rachael for the review copy*
5/5 Stars
Carly :)
http://fictionfascination.blogspot.co...
September 18, 2015
Fear is sabotage's sweetest weapon.
Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can't afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else's complicated baggage.
When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell's creative writing class, he is only "Mr. Campbell" to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor.
But underneath Ryan's abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can't stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they're willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That's if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don't pummel their efforts first.
I finished this one in one sitting, and even though I enjoyed it, I wanted to stop too many times to count.
Ryan reminded me of a rollercoaster, one day up, one day down, hot and cold and all however Kate was no saint.
She was a total bish towards her friends throughout the whole book. She was also wishy washy, she goes from hating Ryan one day to wanting him the next..
Like a bunch of kindergartners fighting over a new toy!
May 22, 2012
Preservation is Rachael Wade's best book yet. Out of all the books I've read this year, this one has been my favorite by far. I loved how well the story line flowed. There were no plot holes, spelling errors, grammar errors, or other inconsistencies. I thought it was going to take me a while to read since it's an adult book and I typically read young adult books. However, the story absolutely captivated me and I kept turning pages late at night wanting to know what happened next. I finished it in a little less than twenty-four hours. My favorite character was Carter. Even though he was in love with Kate, the main character, he still stuck by her side as her best friend when she fell in love with someone else. I also liked his snarky attitude. He kept me laughing all throughout the book. I liked the main character, Kate. Her commitment phobic nature got a little annoying at times, but it wasn't too bad. Ryan, the main male character, kind of seemed like a complete jerk at first. I thought I was going to hate him, but I liked him by the middle of the book. This was the author's first contemporary romance novel, and it was mesmerizing. I will definitely read more of her adult contemporary novels in the future. However, due to the language and sex scenes, I would recommend this to readers eighteen and older. I can't recommend this book enough to everyone old enough to read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews