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Deviation
This story began as a novella in the Hot For Teacher anthology, released on October 28, 2014. My beautiful betas asked me to keep Edie and Jack's story going, so here is where you get the full length story. More of their history from before and the journey they are taking now.
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Deviation: an action, behavior, or condition that is different from what is usual or expected.
An act or instance of deviating; a noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms of behavior.
Example: Edith and Jack deviate from the acceptable student/teacher relationship.
***
What keeps Edie so guarded? What demons from her past must she battle to make a life with Jack?
Can Jack do what needs to be done to protect Edie while giving her the room she needs to heal?
***
Deviation: an action, behavior, or condition that is different from what is usual or expected.
An act or instance of deviating; a noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms of behavior.
Example: Edith and Jack deviate from the acceptable student/teacher relationship.
***
What keeps Edie so guarded? What demons from her past must she battle to make a life with Jack?
Can Jack do what needs to be done to protect Edie while giving her the room she needs to heal?
261 pages, Unknown Binding
First published March 31, 2015
1 person is currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
M.C. Cerny
67 books1,214 followersM.C. Cerny is a USA Today Bestselling author of fresh sexy books. She experienced her first real ugly cry reading, Where The Red Fern Grows, and never looked back. She lives with a menagerie of human and feline fur-babies in rural NJ. When M.C. is not writing, you’ll find her lurking in Starbucks, running stupid marathons, and eating all the tacos while plotting her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 24, 2015
Edith ‘Edie’ hasn’t had the easiest life, but she’s nearly done with her college education and just wants to ensure she escapes the life her parents had. Those plans are about to go up in smoke when Jack walks up to the podium of her class.
Jack always wanted to be a teacher, but one student from his assisting days changed all that. He knew it was wrong to be attracted to a student. Even worse, a high school student. But now Edie’s all grown up a few rules isn’t going to stop him.
So. I did not like this book. I did push through to finish, partly hoping that something would happen to grabbed my attention, to pull it all together. But sadly, for me, nothing did.
There was so much going on with Edie and this storyline that nothing had time to stick. Added, some pretty heavy topics were left light; caused any emotional connection to the story to falter. And there was a lot of heavy, hinted at, briefly touched, but not really delivered. I get that some topics are touchy and trigger-ish, but they also evoke emotion and give a story depth, without diving fully into these issues it actually removed any hold they could have had.
I really think the storyline of a teacher/student affair is enough in itself and the rest was just overkill.
Jack always wanted to be a teacher, but one student from his assisting days changed all that. He knew it was wrong to be attracted to a student. Even worse, a high school student. But now Edie’s all grown up a few rules isn’t going to stop him.
So. I did not like this book. I did push through to finish, partly hoping that something would happen to grabbed my attention, to pull it all together. But sadly, for me, nothing did.
There was so much going on with Edie and this storyline that nothing had time to stick. Added, some pretty heavy topics were left light; caused any emotional connection to the story to falter. And there was a lot of heavy, hinted at, briefly touched, but not really delivered. I get that some topics are touchy and trigger-ish, but they also evoke emotion and give a story depth, without diving fully into these issues it actually removed any hold they could have had.
I really think the storyline of a teacher/student affair is enough in itself and the rest was just overkill.
April 29, 2020
Edith Willows is a scholarship student who tries to keep her grades so as not to lose her scholarship, while having 2 jobs. Her statistics note is due to go up and she is waiting for a tutor to be assigned. And if her life was not complicated enough his teacher falls ill and is replaced by Jack Hamilton. They met when he was teaching at her school. They were both attracted but Jack tried to hold back (for one she is 17 and he will lose his job), until one day they ended up kissing in the library. Now, several years later they meet again at college and the attraction is still there.
“Meeting her as a high school student had really screwed with my head. Lusting after her for years made me crazy with guilt. Our first kiss had been a thing of combustion I had tried to brush off and forget, only to be sucker punched by it later. Even now, there is a clear line we are crossing and I want to protect her as best as I can.”
What I haven’t liked about the book is that some things happen to fast, such as how these 2 start their relationship: Edith misses class, Jack finds out her address and goes to her home, knocks on the door and no one answers, knocks down the door, finds her half unconscious due to fever bc she has the flu, takes her to the hospital and after being treated and before being discharged they make out like horny teenagers. He decides to take her to his home and take care of her and they almost start living together right away.
“I want you to come home with me. The only thing that’s pissing me off right now is my inability to let you go. What have you done to me?” Jack’s voice is husky. When I smell the faint scent of sweet mint, my lips reach out and finally connect with his. His tongue grazes the edge and I open my mouth. I grab him to kiss him deeper. Holding on like a lifeline, I suck his tongue into my mouth. “What the fuck was that?” I whisper. “The law of probability?” He chuckles and I try punching him, but I’m just too tired to make the effort right now. “I’m transmitting my flu germs to you.” “Impossible. I’ve had my flu shot. Kiss away, lovely girl. I rather like your sweet tongue in my mouth,” Jack growls and kisses me again, more gently this time, sweeping his tongue inside my mouth, making me crave him more.
“You drive me crazy. I could spend the rest of my life trying to do the right thing and leave you alone, but I tried that. It didn’t work so I’m giving up.” I stand and Jack steps closer, forcing me to back up against the wall. “I’m pretty sure the university has rules about this,” I pant, feeling him press his body against mine, rubbing his erection against my belly, letting me know how aroused and large he is. “They do, but I was never very good at following them.” He pushes his hand through my hair, tugging my head back and forcing me to look in his eyes. “You’re mine now, Edith. I’m not letting you go. I love you, Edith.”
“I bought this house a long time ago, but I didn’t know why. I liked it and I had the money to invest, but I had no real purpose. No one to fill these rooms and share it with… until you.” “Jack…” I can feel tears clogging my eyes. I hang my head to catch my breath. This is way too soon and I want to run right out the door. Shit like this doesn’t happen to girls like me. I don’t deserve any of this.
Edith is attacked by Jack’s TA and although Jack saves her before being raped, she develops PTSD and starts taking drugs and alcohol, and Jack ends up admitting her to a rehab clinic.
I’m curious to read the story of Aiden and Shelby, Edith’s best friends.
“Meeting her as a high school student had really screwed with my head. Lusting after her for years made me crazy with guilt. Our first kiss had been a thing of combustion I had tried to brush off and forget, only to be sucker punched by it later. Even now, there is a clear line we are crossing and I want to protect her as best as I can.”
What I haven’t liked about the book is that some things happen to fast, such as how these 2 start their relationship: Edith misses class, Jack finds out her address and goes to her home, knocks on the door and no one answers, knocks down the door, finds her half unconscious due to fever bc she has the flu, takes her to the hospital and after being treated and before being discharged they make out like horny teenagers. He decides to take her to his home and take care of her and they almost start living together right away.
“I want you to come home with me. The only thing that’s pissing me off right now is my inability to let you go. What have you done to me?” Jack’s voice is husky. When I smell the faint scent of sweet mint, my lips reach out and finally connect with his. His tongue grazes the edge and I open my mouth. I grab him to kiss him deeper. Holding on like a lifeline, I suck his tongue into my mouth. “What the fuck was that?” I whisper. “The law of probability?” He chuckles and I try punching him, but I’m just too tired to make the effort right now. “I’m transmitting my flu germs to you.” “Impossible. I’ve had my flu shot. Kiss away, lovely girl. I rather like your sweet tongue in my mouth,” Jack growls and kisses me again, more gently this time, sweeping his tongue inside my mouth, making me crave him more.
“You drive me crazy. I could spend the rest of my life trying to do the right thing and leave you alone, but I tried that. It didn’t work so I’m giving up.” I stand and Jack steps closer, forcing me to back up against the wall. “I’m pretty sure the university has rules about this,” I pant, feeling him press his body against mine, rubbing his erection against my belly, letting me know how aroused and large he is. “They do, but I was never very good at following them.” He pushes his hand through my hair, tugging my head back and forcing me to look in his eyes. “You’re mine now, Edith. I’m not letting you go. I love you, Edith.”
“I bought this house a long time ago, but I didn’t know why. I liked it and I had the money to invest, but I had no real purpose. No one to fill these rooms and share it with… until you.” “Jack…” I can feel tears clogging my eyes. I hang my head to catch my breath. This is way too soon and I want to run right out the door. Shit like this doesn’t happen to girls like me. I don’t deserve any of this.
Edith is attacked by Jack’s TA and although Jack saves her before being raped, she develops PTSD and starts taking drugs and alcohol, and Jack ends up admitting her to a rehab clinic.
I’m curious to read the story of Aiden and Shelby, Edith’s best friends.
November 10, 2014
Now this is a short story! Even though it's short, it's got all the makings of a great tale.
A sweet heroine, who's escaped her family and doing everything she can to not only better herself but to also give herself a chance at a great future, despite being told she'll never amount to anything.
Then there's Jack. Sigh...Jack. He's a great character! Compassionate and although he knows that even his thoughts are breaking the rules, he can help himself.
Beautifully written, I couldn't put it down til I'd finished this endearing story.
A sweet heroine, who's escaped her family and doing everything she can to not only better herself but to also give herself a chance at a great future, despite being told she'll never amount to anything.
Then there's Jack. Sigh...Jack. He's a great character! Compassionate and although he knows that even his thoughts are breaking the rules, he can help himself.
Beautifully written, I couldn't put it down til I'd finished this endearing story.
August 31, 2015
Review by Trinette Dungee
Edith Willows is a struggling college senior; and she’s struggling on every level: grades, finances, emotionally, romantically. You name it and Edith struggles with it. She’s from a Camden, NJ trailer park with parents who never really cared about her. As a matter of fact, she hasn’t seen them since the day she graduated high school. The only positive thing in her life is her finishing college and her two best friends Aiden and Shelby. Relationships aren’t really her thing; the only person she’s ever really been interested in was a high school math teacher that was strictly off limits. Jack has re-entered Edith’s world and while he’s now another positive point in her life, he’s still off limits.
Jack Hamilton is a successful businessman living the perfect life. Once on the road to a teaching career he was passionate about, he unfortunately had to take an alternate route. The cause of the deviation on that career path, Edith Willows. The student he found himself having very inappropriate thoughts about. Now a wicked twist of faith has put Jack back on that teaching path, face-to-face with Edith Willows and back to having inappropriate thoughts about her.
I really struggled with this book, not because it was bad but because it kind of moved too fast for me. It seemed that out of nowhere Jack was professing his love for Edie and I felt like I was missing something. I finally had to search the author to see if there was a preceding book…and there was; “Hot for Teacher anthology” which was released last fall. Knowing this helped a little but I would definitely recommend reading Hot for Teacher before starting deviation. Okay, okay fine, yes this was stated in the pages before the book actually starts but I didn’t read them…I just jumped right into the book. Although I initially struggled, this was actually a really good book. The problem for me was that it didn’t get really good until almost the end. It wasn’t until I was about 75%-80% in that I got really hooked. Again, there were just too many times where I felt like I was missing something.
What I liked about this book: 1. The closeness of Edie and her friends, when someone has as many issues as Edie does it’s rare that they can find one person let alone two people who they can become close to. Although Edie still holds a part of herself back from her friends, they still love her unconditionally. 2. Cerny’s approach to the topics of addiction, physical abuse, PTSD and all the other things/emotions that Edie encountered. While those are all heavy topics, Cerny softened them without minimizing them. Also, for as much as Jack loved Edie, he wasn’t without his own issues in his approach to “handling” her. Jack had to come to terms with the fact that he was somewhat being an enabler like his willingness to overlook the possibility of Edie’s addiction when he first discovered it. 3. Everyone is kind of held accountable for their actions. 4. The characters, especially Edie. When you look at the life she’s led you could easily surmise that she’s a wreck. Yeah she has her issues but for the most part, she’s strong, she’s independent and she’s actually open to new experiences. 5. I’m a Jersey Girl! Born and raised in North Jersey, currently residing in Central Jersey. I love when I read a book and I know or I’m familiar with areas in a book.
I’m thinking if I’d read “Hot for Teachers…”this would have been a 3 ½ star read but for now I’m going to have to give this book 3 stars. Hopefully after I go back and read the predecessor I can up the stars. I’m looking forward to reading Aiden and Shelby’s story…that looks to be pretty darned interesting.
Edith Willows is a struggling college senior; and she’s struggling on every level: grades, finances, emotionally, romantically. You name it and Edith struggles with it. She’s from a Camden, NJ trailer park with parents who never really cared about her. As a matter of fact, she hasn’t seen them since the day she graduated high school. The only positive thing in her life is her finishing college and her two best friends Aiden and Shelby. Relationships aren’t really her thing; the only person she’s ever really been interested in was a high school math teacher that was strictly off limits. Jack has re-entered Edith’s world and while he’s now another positive point in her life, he’s still off limits.
Jack Hamilton is a successful businessman living the perfect life. Once on the road to a teaching career he was passionate about, he unfortunately had to take an alternate route. The cause of the deviation on that career path, Edith Willows. The student he found himself having very inappropriate thoughts about. Now a wicked twist of faith has put Jack back on that teaching path, face-to-face with Edith Willows and back to having inappropriate thoughts about her.
I really struggled with this book, not because it was bad but because it kind of moved too fast for me. It seemed that out of nowhere Jack was professing his love for Edie and I felt like I was missing something. I finally had to search the author to see if there was a preceding book…and there was; “Hot for Teacher anthology” which was released last fall. Knowing this helped a little but I would definitely recommend reading Hot for Teacher before starting deviation. Okay, okay fine, yes this was stated in the pages before the book actually starts but I didn’t read them…I just jumped right into the book. Although I initially struggled, this was actually a really good book. The problem for me was that it didn’t get really good until almost the end. It wasn’t until I was about 75%-80% in that I got really hooked. Again, there were just too many times where I felt like I was missing something.
What I liked about this book: 1. The closeness of Edie and her friends, when someone has as many issues as Edie does it’s rare that they can find one person let alone two people who they can become close to. Although Edie still holds a part of herself back from her friends, they still love her unconditionally. 2. Cerny’s approach to the topics of addiction, physical abuse, PTSD and all the other things/emotions that Edie encountered. While those are all heavy topics, Cerny softened them without minimizing them. Also, for as much as Jack loved Edie, he wasn’t without his own issues in his approach to “handling” her. Jack had to come to terms with the fact that he was somewhat being an enabler like his willingness to overlook the possibility of Edie’s addiction when he first discovered it. 3. Everyone is kind of held accountable for their actions. 4. The characters, especially Edie. When you look at the life she’s led you could easily surmise that she’s a wreck. Yeah she has her issues but for the most part, she’s strong, she’s independent and she’s actually open to new experiences. 5. I’m a Jersey Girl! Born and raised in North Jersey, currently residing in Central Jersey. I love when I read a book and I know or I’m familiar with areas in a book.
I’m thinking if I’d read “Hot for Teachers…”this would have been a 3 ½ star read but for now I’m going to have to give this book 3 stars. Hopefully after I go back and read the predecessor I can up the stars. I’m looking forward to reading Aiden and Shelby’s story…that looks to be pretty darned interesting.
August 30, 2015
***THIS REVIEW AND MORE ON MY WEBSITE***
The Review: Ouch. This book, although short, was hard for me to force myself to finish reading. I hate to make this review an onslaught of negative criticisms, but there is hardly anything (if anything at all) positive that I have to say for it. I’m unfamiliar with M.C. Cerny’s characters, but her Goodreads page announces that the main characters in this book were introduced to her fans in a novella in 2014. I didn’t read that novella but I caught on just fine, in part because the author spends a painful chunk of the beginning of the book poorly describing the unrealistic occurrences from the original novella. I’d like to make it clear that I went into this book without any moral bias, even though the main characters met when Edie was an underage high school student and Jack was her student teacher. Putting all of that aside, it is the ridiculous attraction between the two that initially turned me off. The internal dialogue that both Jack and Edie use in the opening chapters is overly sexed and way beyond cheesy. Jack comes off as more than creepy, showing up places and seemingly having an endless amount of money to blow on ‘his girl’. There is a pretty unrealistic villain in the book and although the author touches on sensitive subjects like stalking, rape, and abuse it is done in a fashion that is rushed and again, unbelievable. The supporting characters were likable, but they too experience a certain amount of drama that is never fully resolved by the end of the book. In all honesty, I liked the two main supporting characters better than Jack and Edie. I would’ve much rather seen more of their storyline, especially because it wasn’t nearly as oversexed or unbelievable. On the upside the ending is relatively happy, so if you’re into happy endings then maybe that will appeal to you. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Conclusion: Read this if you’re into: Large amounts of descriptive sex, shorter books, and happy endings.
Don’t read this if you can’t stand: Unrealistic romantic relationships, books with rape and violence, or rushed storylines.
The Rating: A disappointing 1 out of 5 stars because this story had too many obvious flaws to be ignored. Unrealistic relationships, rushed storylines, ridiculous villains…sad to say this wasn’t the love story of the year for me.
October 25, 2014
Edith Willows can’t seem to catch a break. She’s barely able to make ends meet, and now she is failing a class that see needs to keep her scholarship. Feeling like it can’t get any worse, she is surprised to find out that it can. When her new professor walks in, she comes face to face with a man that has been a part of her fantasies for years. A man that she shared a passionate kiss with, and never saw him again.
When Jack Hamilton sees Edie again after all these years, the feelings come straight back to his mind…and other places. She was the reason he almost gave up being a teacher. He could never keep his mind off of this dark-haired girl when he was student-teaching. Then, after that one kiss, he knew he was a goner. How was he going to ignore her now when he needed to help her the most?
“Edith Willows had a way about her, the tough girl who always looked ready to shatter into a million pieces.”
They knew they couldn’t stop their feelings for much longer. This thing that’s supposed to be so wrong ends up being the one thing that is so right.
“Jack, what are we doing?”
“I’m learning you. Learning what you like, learning what gets you mad with desire until your eyes roll back into your head. Edith, it’s never been like this for me before.”
This story not only had sexy moments, it also had laughter, drama, and swoon-worthy moments. I can’t wait to read more about this couple that fights the system just to be together.
“You drive me crazy. I could spend the rest of my life trying to do the right thing and leave you alone, but I tried that. It didn’t work so I’m giving up.”
“You’re mine now, Edith. I’m not letting you go.”
When Jack Hamilton sees Edie again after all these years, the feelings come straight back to his mind…and other places. She was the reason he almost gave up being a teacher. He could never keep his mind off of this dark-haired girl when he was student-teaching. Then, after that one kiss, he knew he was a goner. How was he going to ignore her now when he needed to help her the most?
“Edith Willows had a way about her, the tough girl who always looked ready to shatter into a million pieces.”
They knew they couldn’t stop their feelings for much longer. This thing that’s supposed to be so wrong ends up being the one thing that is so right.
“Jack, what are we doing?”
“I’m learning you. Learning what you like, learning what gets you mad with desire until your eyes roll back into your head. Edith, it’s never been like this for me before.”
This story not only had sexy moments, it also had laughter, drama, and swoon-worthy moments. I can’t wait to read more about this couple that fights the system just to be together.
“You drive me crazy. I could spend the rest of my life trying to do the right thing and leave you alone, but I tried that. It didn’t work so I’m giving up.”
“You’re mine now, Edith. I’m not letting you go.”
August 3, 2016
Read this in the Hot for Teacher anthology but NEED more. I'm guessing this will be a full length novel...?? So not rating it yet.
8/24/2015 Edit: finally read the full-length novel!
Alright, when I read the short story, it was leaning towards a 3 star. I liked it but everything was happening too fast for me. NOW, with the full length novel, I loved seeing Edith and Jack together!!!
Edith is failing one of her required courses at college and thinks there is no way she'll end up passing. That's until Jack Hamilton walks into her lecture hall. He was the man she fantasized about in high school. He was the forbidden guy she kissed in high school! Now here they are, five years later. ;)
Jack remembers Edith and his feelings for her haven't changed. He's still attracted to the dark haired, quiet girl and teaching her class is not going to be so easy with how much she effects him.
This book is so much more than a student/teacher relationship. There's a strong friendship between Edith, Shelby and Aiden. And there's a time in the story when everything turns upside down and the only way Edith can cope is with sex, drugs and dark thoughts.
Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
8/24/2015 Edit: finally read the full-length novel!
Alright, when I read the short story, it was leaning towards a 3 star. I liked it but everything was happening too fast for me. NOW, with the full length novel, I loved seeing Edith and Jack together!!!
Edith is failing one of her required courses at college and thinks there is no way she'll end up passing. That's until Jack Hamilton walks into her lecture hall. He was the man she fantasized about in high school. He was the forbidden guy she kissed in high school! Now here they are, five years later. ;)
Jack remembers Edith and his feelings for her haven't changed. He's still attracted to the dark haired, quiet girl and teaching her class is not going to be so easy with how much she effects him.
This book is so much more than a student/teacher relationship. There's a strong friendship between Edith, Shelby and Aiden. And there's a time in the story when everything turns upside down and the only way Edith can cope is with sex, drugs and dark thoughts.
Complimentary copy provided by the author/publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
November 9, 2014
These deviations are just not standard...
This story is more than just a student / teacher love story. There is comedy, passion, restraint, a creepy TA, and fun loving friends. It takes place in a statistics class of all places, just how likely is that to happen? Don't worry I'm sure Mr. Jack Hamilton could help us figure it out. And now a bit about the story...
Even though he loves math he still is hot. He first met Edith when student teaching in high school and was so drawn to her he gave up teaching. Wanting a student was just wrong. Now he has to fill in for college professor with failing health. Just what are the odds she will be in the class when he walks in. Will he still think it is wrong 6 years later?
Favorite passage: "You say statistics like it's a bad word." I laugh watching her face contort between frustrated and slightly turned on, by the blush in her cheeks.
This story is more than just a student / teacher love story. There is comedy, passion, restraint, a creepy TA, and fun loving friends. It takes place in a statistics class of all places, just how likely is that to happen? Don't worry I'm sure Mr. Jack Hamilton could help us figure it out. And now a bit about the story...
Even though he loves math he still is hot. He first met Edith when student teaching in high school and was so drawn to her he gave up teaching. Wanting a student was just wrong. Now he has to fill in for college professor with failing health. Just what are the odds she will be in the class when he walks in. Will he still think it is wrong 6 years later?
Favorite passage: "You say statistics like it's a bad word." I laugh watching her face contort between frustrated and slightly turned on, by the blush in her cheeks.
not-finished
September 23, 2015DNF 41%
*sigh* What to say? Well, this wasn't for me. Not because of the subject matter, not for the sex...For me it was the characters. If I find myself nearing the halfway mark on any book and I can't find a single shred of connection to the characters, then why continue reading? Usually there's another elements that grabbed a hold of me and kept me from giving up, but sadly this was not the case with Deviation.
Edith and Jack may deviate from the acceptable student/teacher relationship, but for me the story deviated way too far from my standards of what makes an enjoyable story for me to stick to it.
*sigh* What to say? Well, this wasn't for me. Not because of the subject matter, not for the sex...For me it was the characters. If I find myself nearing the halfway mark on any book and I can't find a single shred of connection to the characters, then why continue reading? Usually there's another elements that grabbed a hold of me and kept me from giving up, but sadly this was not the case with Deviation.
Edith and Jack may deviate from the acceptable student/teacher relationship, but for me the story deviated way too far from my standards of what makes an enjoyable story for me to stick to it.
October 29, 2014
Jack and Edith wow!!, I liked this story best so far, I loved these two with their secret looks and their past memories. I love how smitten Jack is and how Edith acts so innocent. These two together are hot and I love how protective, sweet, loving and hot Jack is. Love how he took care of her when she was sick. Love her BF's too awesome. Can't wait for more Jack and Edith. 4.5 stars review by Nanee at upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
November 6, 2014
Jack and Edith! I want more!!! Great book!
May 6, 2017
Wow
Wow what an incense story. Fantastic characters and storyline. Highly recommend to everyone. Some great twists and turns. I laughed, cried and screamed in the book. X
Wow what an incense story. Fantastic characters and storyline. Highly recommend to everyone. Some great twists and turns. I laughed, cried and screamed in the book. X
October 4, 2015
Title: Deviation
Author: M.C. Cerny
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary Romance
Series or Standalone: Series (Defined Series #1)
Rating: ★★★★
Review
I have to admit. I had no prior knowledge of Edith or Jack before jumping into this. I have since become aware of them being part of an anthology (their first meeting), but hadn’t read it. Where in other instances that might affect how I read this book moving forward, it didn’t here.
The author did a very good job of incorporating the most important parts of that into this story so that what you’re getting as you read is a full Edie and Jack experience. Or at least that’s how it came across for me. I didn’t feel as though I missed anything not having that prior experience.
With that being said, I move into what this book is about (or rather, what it contains, what worked and what didn’t for me).
This is a forbidden romance. It is such because it takes place between a teacher and a student. Now I’m the first to admit that I don’t exactly go out of my way to read a ton of these types of books mainly because the idea doesn’t really jump out to me, but this one felt different as I was searching for something to read and also read differently as I started and now have finished it.
This isn’t in any stretch of the imagination like other forbidden books I’ve read. This is a whole lot more than a taboo relationship that’s expanded on. It’s even about more than two people falling in love. It’s about living through hell and coming out the other side, with a whole lot of falling and picking yourself up in between.
It’s about recognizing things in yourself and making the conscious effort to change them when you realize they are things that you want changed. It’s about coming to terms with and loving yourself, faults/flaws and all. It’s a story of love, sure, but also of growth and no two people grow more than these two within its pages.
Edith and Jack’s journey is not an easy one to stomach. There are quite a few issues that take place both on Jack’s end, and Edith’s that may be triggers for some, but the author put a lot more focus into their journey to healing from them than they did focusing even more on the darker road that could be taken.
Having met previously, neither one of them able to let go of what took place before, when they come across each other again, the attraction is there even more so than it was before. It’s still very prevalent and it doesn’t take long for Jack to throw caution to the wind and act on what he had spent years denying himself.
I liked the two of them together. Even in their darkest period, the devotion that he had for Edith astounded me. Melted me. Made me feel. He stayed by her side through it all even when the right move to make was taking a step back and letting her get her footing on her own. It was a beautiful thing to witness when often times, the guys do tend to give up and walk in books these days.
Edith for her part, based on the upbringing, and the hand she’s been dealt before even meeting Jack is resistant to any form of help. Even when it comes in the forms of her best friends, but there comes a point that when things are the bleakest, she had a moment of clarity and seems to come back to the land of the living and understanding what everyone had been trying to get her to see all along.
There are moments of violence within these pages and at times it gets quite visual, but it worked in terms of putting this reader on the edge of her seat wondering how it would all play out. As twisted as things became, I enjoyed the way it all worked out and came together.
There is a bit of an open end here (not cliff-hanger), which makes me believe that instead of this being a standalone series, it may in fact be a continuing one, which with the way it ended and me wanting to see how things truly do play out for all of these characters in the future, I’m happy about. There are unanswered questions for the friends and even though this one does lend to a HEA, I want more of one for both Edith and Jack. Especially with everything they lived through together.
Overall, this was a great read and one that was a lot different than I expected it to be. So my hat is off to the author for creating something different for the masses to get lost in.
My thanks to NetGalley, the author and all others involved in allowing me the chance to read this.
July 14, 2017
» Review can also be found on Orchids & Amethysts.
Title: Deviation
Author: M.C. Cerny
Rating: 3/5
Thanks to NetGalley and M.C. Cerny for letting me receive a digital copy of this book.
When I requested this book for a digital review copy, I completely forgot that I had already written the sample in the book collection called Hot For Teacher, which I really liked. I opened my eReader and re-read the sample, because I didn't know the sample was the beginning of the actual novel. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to catch up otherwise, but the first few chapters of Deviation are exactly the same as the whole sample of it in Hot For Teacher, so let me tell you - no need to worry. Just keep on reading.
I'm a sucker for student/teacher romances and I have no clue why, but I happen to really enjoy reading about them. However, I read some novels concerning this certain topic that couldn't interest me. Reading Deviation I wasn't quite sure whether to like or to hate it. I mean, I really liked the relationship and the author had me at the first few phrases, but...
The thing is that though Edith and Jack's relationship grew stronger along the pages, I was sick of Edith at the middle of the book, so pretty fast actually. The incident you'll read about (if you decide to read the book) felt like a hole-filler to me. Is that the right word in English?! No idea. Anyway, I could deal with the incident, it wasn't that bad, but then it seemed like she would never recover from that and to me that wasn't real. Nothing really happened anyway, so why was she so upset and hurt? I just didn't understand. Just to clarify, her character was well-written and I could feel what she was feeling to that time, but I just didn't understand her in the least.
When you come to that incident part, you'll already know how the story ends. You'll want to continue reading though, because the story isn't bad-written or totally made up and unrelateable. I'm always scared my reviews will seem like that's my point of view whenever I say a negative thing or two, yet that's not the case at all.
Edith's friends were okay, I guess. I can never seem to like the friends of the main characters. Jack was the character I liked best in this book. Big surprise there, haha. So not! He is just lovely and the way he treats Edith is just so sweet. You can't not like him. Is he book boyfriend material? He sure is. At the beginning he was so conflicted about his attraction to Edith and then love conquered and it was so good to read his point of view. I would have gone mad if Deviation was written from Edith's point of view only.
To put it in a nutshell (this is the first time I ever use that term), I liked the book. I liked the relationship, the way this book was written and the way it made me feel. There was love, angst and just all the emotions you can possibly think of. I'm glad the author managed to capture it all so well.
If you are a fan of student/teacher romances like me, you'll have to read this book. There is no way you can ignore this book. It will eventually cross your path and you'll pick it up.
Title: Deviation
Author: M.C. Cerny
Rating: 3/5
Thanks to NetGalley and M.C. Cerny for letting me receive a digital copy of this book.
Deviation: an action, behavior, or condition that is different from what is usual or expected; an act or instance of deviating; a noticeable or marked departure from accepted norms of behavior.
Edith Willows has escaped the drugs, abuse, and poverty of her early years, but the scars remain. She is imperfect and damaged. Eager to complete her college degree and leave the past behind, Edith doesn’t anticipate the return of a forbidden crush, threatening to destroy her carefully crafted peace…
Jack Hamilton has the perfect life…a woman who fulfills his needs, a successful business, and an adjunct position at his former school. However, a past indiscretion has haunted him for years and, now, the beautiful dark-haired girl he had no business getting involved with sits just rows away from his podium, all grown-up…
When I requested this book for a digital review copy, I completely forgot that I had already written the sample in the book collection called Hot For Teacher, which I really liked. I opened my eReader and re-read the sample, because I didn't know the sample was the beginning of the actual novel. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to catch up otherwise, but the first few chapters of Deviation are exactly the same as the whole sample of it in Hot For Teacher, so let me tell you - no need to worry. Just keep on reading.
I'm a sucker for student/teacher romances and I have no clue why, but I happen to really enjoy reading about them. However, I read some novels concerning this certain topic that couldn't interest me. Reading Deviation I wasn't quite sure whether to like or to hate it. I mean, I really liked the relationship and the author had me at the first few phrases, but...
The thing is that though Edith and Jack's relationship grew stronger along the pages, I was sick of Edith at the middle of the book, so pretty fast actually. The incident you'll read about (if you decide to read the book) felt like a hole-filler to me. Is that the right word in English?! No idea. Anyway, I could deal with the incident, it wasn't that bad, but then it seemed like she would never recover from that and to me that wasn't real. Nothing really happened anyway, so why was she so upset and hurt? I just didn't understand. Just to clarify, her character was well-written and I could feel what she was feeling to that time, but I just didn't understand her in the least.
When you come to that incident part, you'll already know how the story ends. You'll want to continue reading though, because the story isn't bad-written or totally made up and unrelateable. I'm always scared my reviews will seem like that's my point of view whenever I say a negative thing or two, yet that's not the case at all.
Edith's friends were okay, I guess. I can never seem to like the friends of the main characters. Jack was the character I liked best in this book. Big surprise there, haha. So not! He is just lovely and the way he treats Edith is just so sweet. You can't not like him. Is he book boyfriend material? He sure is. At the beginning he was so conflicted about his attraction to Edith and then love conquered and it was so good to read his point of view. I would have gone mad if Deviation was written from Edith's point of view only.
To put it in a nutshell (this is the first time I ever use that term), I liked the book. I liked the relationship, the way this book was written and the way it made me feel. There was love, angst and just all the emotions you can possibly think of. I'm glad the author managed to capture it all so well.
If you are a fan of student/teacher romances like me, you'll have to read this book. There is no way you can ignore this book. It will eventually cross your path and you'll pick it up.
August 23, 2015
Having not read the novella that made Deviation, I was walking on unknown territory with this book. I had no notions about Edie and Jack and just liked the synopsis. This was also the first book I had read by M.C Cerny too, so this book really was a clean slate setting me up for further books by the author.
From the initial get go of Deviation I liked Edie. Firstly, I love the name (Also my german Nan's name) as its unusual in an old fashioned way and not one you really hear of these days. Although Edie has seen extremely hard times, I loved that she had worked as hard as she could to get to Uni. She is a great witty character and quite stubborn at times. I liked her 2 friends too and they had a unique banter which also made me laugh out loud. Jack is sex on a stick, a hot guy, who's smart and funny too. I instantly liked him and having the story told from both Edie's and Jack's point of views made for a good read.
What I didn't like was the 'instant love' almost. I know there is previous history from these too, but the rate that Jack declared his love just didn't sit well with me. Considering he is the elder of the 2 (A business entrepreneur, maths wizard and stand in professor), I felt he would have had his head screwed on a bit better than to profess the 3 fatal words that fast. Just an opinion, but as soon as I read it I was a little turned off from the story.
The story does have good pace, the characters have good dynamics and there is a few ups and downs too. At times I felt Edie should have fought harder for her choices, other times I wanted to applauded when she would put Jack in his place and stop the caveman crap.
Still Deviation isn't a bad book, it wasn't badly wrote either and it did keep me interested till the end. It was the love part with Jack for me which has made this review a 3 and not a 4 as I just felt it was too soon even with the previous connection. 3.5 stars.
From the initial get go of Deviation I liked Edie. Firstly, I love the name (Also my german Nan's name) as its unusual in an old fashioned way and not one you really hear of these days. Although Edie has seen extremely hard times, I loved that she had worked as hard as she could to get to Uni. She is a great witty character and quite stubborn at times. I liked her 2 friends too and they had a unique banter which also made me laugh out loud. Jack is sex on a stick, a hot guy, who's smart and funny too. I instantly liked him and having the story told from both Edie's and Jack's point of views made for a good read.
What I didn't like was the 'instant love' almost. I know there is previous history from these too, but the rate that Jack declared his love just didn't sit well with me. Considering he is the elder of the 2 (A business entrepreneur, maths wizard and stand in professor), I felt he would have had his head screwed on a bit better than to profess the 3 fatal words that fast. Just an opinion, but as soon as I read it I was a little turned off from the story.
The story does have good pace, the characters have good dynamics and there is a few ups and downs too. At times I felt Edie should have fought harder for her choices, other times I wanted to applauded when she would put Jack in his place and stop the caveman crap.
Still Deviation isn't a bad book, it wasn't badly wrote either and it did keep me interested till the end. It was the love part with Jack for me which has made this review a 3 and not a 4 as I just felt it was too soon even with the previous connection. 3.5 stars.
April 9, 2016
Jack had been a student teacher back in Edith’s hometown when she was in high school. Now he’s taking over one of her college classes to substitute for the rest of the year. It’s clear they have crossed paths before.
Now I know this book only has one little review and it’s not a good one. However, this person used Days of Our Lives, Jerry Springer and Cops as examples and knowing these have all been some of my favorite TV shows at various times in my life, I decided maybe this book would be something I would enjoy. Sometimes even a bad review can give readers insight. What isn’t one person’s “cup of tea” may just be what the other person desires most!
Aiden and Shelby are a little immature for college students. A lot of the early banter between them really puts them at about the same level as middle school, but then I guess in “real life” there are people on the same level so I won’t take much away from my enjoyment of the book just for that.
There is a lot happening in this book. It’s clear that Edith has had a pretty rough life and things just keep happening, but Jack, the good man he is, loves her through it. I enjoyed this book very much. The only thing I felt a little uncomfortable with was how fast Jack and Edith moved in their relationship in the beginning. I think had the other held on to the physical side of that relationship just a little long it would made their story so much more romantic. That is the reason I am going with four stars and not five. There needed to be more build up before the actual bang. Just my opinion!
Now I know this book only has one little review and it’s not a good one. However, this person used Days of Our Lives, Jerry Springer and Cops as examples and knowing these have all been some of my favorite TV shows at various times in my life, I decided maybe this book would be something I would enjoy. Sometimes even a bad review can give readers insight. What isn’t one person’s “cup of tea” may just be what the other person desires most!
Aiden and Shelby are a little immature for college students. A lot of the early banter between them really puts them at about the same level as middle school, but then I guess in “real life” there are people on the same level so I won’t take much away from my enjoyment of the book just for that.
There is a lot happening in this book. It’s clear that Edith has had a pretty rough life and things just keep happening, but Jack, the good man he is, loves her through it. I enjoyed this book very much. The only thing I felt a little uncomfortable with was how fast Jack and Edith moved in their relationship in the beginning. I think had the other held on to the physical side of that relationship just a little long it would made their story so much more romantic. That is the reason I am going with four stars and not five. There needed to be more build up before the actual bang. Just my opinion!
August 24, 2015
ARC kindly provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
DNF @ 30%
I hate not finishing a book. Really....But I could not get into this. I tried several times, but ended up not liking where things were going. Maybe it's because I didn't read the short novella first, so I didn't get to really like the characters before your thrown into.....just weirdness. First, she gets sick. He goes to her house to find her, takes her to the hospital because she is severely dehydrated and has an extremely bad flu where she is weak and can't be by herself because he feels she needs his constant care. Then, as soon as they make it in to his house, they are starting up something. First of all, really? She's sick, severely dehydrated with the flu, and it seems to me like he's somewhat forcing her. She tries to talk, he shushes her and doesn't listen, and continues to tear off her pants and panties. I guess she wants this, but really how does he know this for sure if he won't even let her speak. Then he quits her job for her because it's in a bad neighborhood. REALLY! This guy has controlling written ALL over him. I'm really sorry, but I didn't like this book at all. I will try this author out again though, because a few of her other books seem interesting to me.
DNF @ 30%
I hate not finishing a book. Really....But I could not get into this. I tried several times, but ended up not liking where things were going. Maybe it's because I didn't read the short novella first, so I didn't get to really like the characters before your thrown into.....just weirdness. First, she gets sick. He goes to her house to find her, takes her to the hospital because she is severely dehydrated and has an extremely bad flu where she is weak and can't be by herself because he feels she needs his constant care. Then, as soon as they make it in to his house, they are starting up something. First of all, really? She's sick, severely dehydrated with the flu, and it seems to me like he's somewhat forcing her. She tries to talk, he shushes her and doesn't listen, and continues to tear off her pants and panties. I guess she wants this, but really how does he know this for sure if he won't even let her speak. Then he quits her job for her because it's in a bad neighborhood. REALLY! This guy has controlling written ALL over him. I'm really sorry, but I didn't like this book at all. I will try this author out again though, because a few of her other books seem interesting to me.
September 15, 2015
*ARC provided through NetGalley for an honest review***
I was excited to get this book and read it. I am a fan of the forbidden teacher/student relationship. This book was nothing like I thought. To me this book was more about Edith issues and less about the forbidden relationship. I feel like this book pulled me in with the first couple chapters and then it went down hill from there. I just couldn't connect with the characters at all. Jack and Edith was only able to connect when they were having sex. I don't feel that really knew much about each other besides thinking each other was hot. I didn't feel the love at all. Maybe I didn't feel the love or chemistry because I didn't read the novella before this book. I honestly don't know what it was. Edith friends were annoying to me too. Shelley (Edith's bff) needed to think before she spoke. Too many times she said things she shouldn't have. I don't know. Maybe this story was amazing and the problem was me.
I was excited to get this book and read it. I am a fan of the forbidden teacher/student relationship. This book was nothing like I thought. To me this book was more about Edith issues and less about the forbidden relationship. I feel like this book pulled me in with the first couple chapters and then it went down hill from there. I just couldn't connect with the characters at all. Jack and Edith was only able to connect when they were having sex. I don't feel that really knew much about each other besides thinking each other was hot. I didn't feel the love at all. Maybe I didn't feel the love or chemistry because I didn't read the novella before this book. I honestly don't know what it was. Edith friends were annoying to me too. Shelley (Edith's bff) needed to think before she spoke. Too many times she said things she shouldn't have. I don't know. Maybe this story was amazing and the problem was me.
September 16, 2015
Excellent beginning
The start was electric! I was pulled in with the intense attraction between the two lead characters. Then a major event happens t
and turn the rest of the book in Days of Our Lives. I mean I'm all for reading about drama in a book but Jerry Springer with a dash of Cops was just too much for me. I finished the book and the writing and editing was well but the remaining of the storyline was not good at all.
The start was electric! I was pulled in with the intense attraction between the two lead characters. Then a major event happens t
and turn the rest of the book in Days of Our Lives. I mean I'm all for reading about drama in a book but Jerry Springer with a dash of Cops was just too much for me. I finished the book and the writing and editing was well but the remaining of the storyline was not good at all.
August 31, 2015
Good read but I highly recommend reading Hot For Teacher anthology. For full review see Three Chicks
November 12, 2015
Did not finish at 32%. I just couldn't get into this because of how unrealistic everything was from the beginning and because of the poor writing style. Not my cup of tea, unfortunately.
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