Review: Preservation by Rachael Wade

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.

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