Love and Relativity

Preservation

by Rachael Wade

A Preservation Series Companion Novel

Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.

Marine biology student Emma Pierce lives in paradise—geographically speaking, anyway. Stranded on Sanibel Island, Florida, she works at a nursing home by day and spends her nights dodging the island's infamous bad boy, Jackson Taylor, at her favorite karaoke bar. Trying to heal from the loss of her sister and a failed relationship she rerouted her life for, she's ready to graduate and finally leave Florida behind.

When a run-in with Jackson and his rowdy crew goes sour at the bar one night, sparks fly and irreversible damage is done. It’s no secret that Jackson loves to get underneath her skin, but this time he's gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she's gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart.

This is a stand-alone title but coordinates with The Preservation Series:

Preservation (Book One, Available Now)
Reservation (Book Two, Coming March 6, 2013)
Declaration (Book Three,TBA)

Genres: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Ebooks, College, Adult

338 pages, Paperback

First published December 2, 2012

About the author

During 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.

Reviews

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

“I’m not asking to get back together right now. I’m going to walk out of here, and you never have to see me again if you don’t want to. I’m only asking you to remember this—” he leaned down to bite and tug on my lip, “the way I can make you feel, and to ask yourself, when the first new fucker puts his hands on you, whether or not he’ll be able to love you like I do. Because I guarantee you, his cock will never feel as good as mine, his arms will never hold you the way mine can, and he’ll never adore you inside and out the way I do. And when you answer those questions and see that I’m right, come find me. When you’re ready, give me a second chance, and I’ll do whatever you want to make this work, no matter where you live. I’ll wait for you.” Circling his fingers faster, he started to pump them back and forth, driving me closer and closer to the edge, continuing to grind himself into my core. “That’s right,” he peered down to watch my hips as they matched his hand’s rhythm. “Come on, baby. Just like that.”

Oh my Holus Molus !!! Hold that thought :



Ahhhhhhhh * wipes mouth with the back of my hand * I needed that !!!!

Jackson Taylor , you crazy motherfreaker ! You make me love you and hate you ... at the same time !!!!



Anyways ..... Cue * Sublime - What I got ... Coz lets face it , in the end love is all we got ! Nothin else matters bro !

Welcome to the Sanibel Islands ....







Its only here that you will find yourself some really interesting specimens ...

First up , Emma Pierce . Emma .... I didn't know what my feeling were for you in this book doll ... A part of me was saddened by what you've been through , but another REALLY agitated , irritated part was all like , " Girlfriend , it ain't your fault !!!! Snap out of it already ! " .. And then her relationship with Jackson . Good lord , I was sure they were gonna drive me bat shit crazy ! I don't understand , why cant two people talk to each other ! Oh for the love of everything nice and good ,when trouble comes knocking , its always a good idea to sit and talk to each other rather than packing up your bag pack , putting on your running shoes and running off to god-knows-where ! And thats exactly what Emma kept doing .. Shit got worse with Jackson , and Emma decided to run up the hill ! At times I wanted to throw my laptop at her just so she stopped running away from him and her past !



And then there is Jackson fucking Taylor . The notorious , infamous Jackson Taylor ! Like I mentioned earlier , he made me difficult to choose whether I should love him or hate him ! Things have never been easy for him too , BUT , believing and having faith in someone you claim to love is rule numero uno while in love !

Life is never simple .. If it was , then all of us would've been sipping pina colada and partying our ass out ! But that's not how it is , is it ? We meet people , we learn things , we lose people . We learn to love and then get our hearts broken . We trust people , some are worth trusting , some aren't . That's life . People change , so does plans . Nothing is constant . And Rachael Wade paints the exact picture through Emma and Jackson . They met each other when things went haywire for Emma . He was the only one who was her constant source of comfort . To hell with what everyone else thought about him . For him , it was always what Emma thought ! Perfect right ? But life intervenes . Life and its twisted sense of humor . Will it tear them apart or will it bring then even closer .. You know what you have to doo to find out :)

OMG !!! Lets not forget the steamy romantic bits !!!



“Open your eyes, baby. Look at me.” He pressed his forehead down to meet mine, my eyelids fluttering open at his command. “Look at me and tell me you don’t want it.”
I peered up at him with unsteady breaths, hearing his throat work when I tilted my lips to graze his. The contact was feather light, my heart hammering through my chest at the feel of it. “I’m looking,” I breathed against him.
“Good. Because right now, all I want to do is rip your clothes off and make you come until you can’t stand, and I want your eyes on me the whole time, are we clear?

Hottest kitchen sex scene ever .... In a sailboat .. [image error] .. Change that to a sailboat !!! ;)



This could've easily been me :



Rachael Wade can definitely steam up some sexy scenes !!! * Fans self *

On the whole , Love and Relativity is a well written story about how two broken individuals meet , share their sorrows only to find solace and complete each other ..

Like I said earlier ... LOVE IS ALL WE GOT !

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25-4.5 Stars

My torso spasmed and heated beneath his touch, and my eyes fell shut. "Open your eyes, baby. Look at me." He pressed his forehead down to meet mine, my eyelids fluttering open at his command. "Look at me and tell me you don't want it."

**Smirks** Nice teaser line, eh? I was privileged enough to beta read this for the awesome Ms. Wade. This was whole lot fun to read, too, especially when I would vent out my frustrations, bang the palm of my hand to my forehead and vent my frustrations regarding Jackson to her. You know what? Now that I think about it, this isn’t the first Hero that she created that made me want to both reach out and strangle the asshat, but at the same time kiss the fucking shit out of him. **coughs** Ryan. Preservation. **coughs** Ugh! You’re a wicked, wicked person Ms. Wade. lol

That smile lit up a room. Always wide, always perfect, always accenting his plump lips. Jackson Taylor was the whole tempting, sexy, albeit frustrating package: Playful, charming, and rebellious. All together, it made for one delicious dish.

Jackson Taylor has got one heck of a reputation on Sanibel Island: Resident bad boy and well known womanizer. Emma and he have been good friends for the past three years. Jackson wants more from Emma and has made his intentions clear, but Emma’s not having any of it. She does not want to be another notch on his bedpost. Besides, if she gets in to her chosen University in Seattle, she’ll be leaving the island soon anyway. She has no time for the complications of romance. However, things start to snowball between the two and before Jackson even knows what’s happening between them, he confesses his true feelings for Emma. How much longer can she deny her feelings as well?

“Yes.” I braced myself against the stovetop, his carnal appraisal sending me into hot flash overdrive, and holy hell, did it feel too good to deny. Why was I here again? Why were we fighting? What was my name?
“Then what are we waiting for?”
“Jackson.” I arched a brow.
“Emma.” He arched one back.
“I’m still mad at you. Don’t come any closer,” I said feebly attempting to peel his fingers away from my waist.
“Or what?”

**Smirks** I’m telling you, Jackson really knows how to push Emma’s buttons (and mine, if I can be truly honest). Unfortunately, Emma is a tough chick to crack. She’s recently gone through some tough times. First the break up with her ex, Chris. The second and biggest change, being the loss of her beloved sister; a loss that she feels is her fault. Plus, Jackson was there that fateful night, too. Is he a constant reminder of that night? She carries some serious baggage, but Jackson somehow manages to crack her shell and they start a relationship. Unfortunately we do not get to enjoy their relationship before shit starts to hit the fan fast. The next thing you know, they’re fighting and Jackson forces decisions without Emma’s consult. I know Jackson wants what’s best for her, but the way he goes about it drove me crazy. The things he says and does to force Emma away made me so angry. At this point, I was unsure if Jackson was even redeemable.

“I hope you can forgive me someday, Emma. I really do. I’m begging you, forgive me for all of it.”

If I can be honest, the relationship between Jackson and Emma drove me insane. Both were stubborn in their own right, but I know they had nothing but good intentions. The ending just made me smile :)

In addition, the secondary cast of characters were nothing short of awesome. I LOVED Emma’s best friend Whitney. She is my girl! She's just full of awesome. Quirky and fun, thy name is Whitney. However, she is very unlucky in love. However, her luck is about to change. Carter from Preservation joins the cast. This is a HUGE PLUS in its own right. I adored him in Preservation and just fell in love with him some more in this book. He’s such a sweet guy and he's just delicious with his glasses and tattoos **SWOON!!** Seriously, my heart melts for this man. AND! There’s something brewing between he and Whitney. Gahhh!!! I LOVE IT! Did you know that they’re going to have their own book? Oh yea. I’m all over that. Anyway, just do me a favor and pick this up. The story has a lot of drama and a lot of heart. Great overall and I can’t wait for more.

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words... Can't find the words....

LOVED LOVED LOVED this book, Emma and Jackson are AMAZING together. What they go through is so real. Jackson is absolutely on top of the "Maybe if I wish really hard, he will leap out of the book and show up at my front door" fictional boyfriend list. Again their story is so realistic, and I really felt like I was on the journey with them.

Now I know everyone is questioning the correlation with the Preservation series. Love and Relativity can be read as a standalone, but does mention and have some of the same characters. Rachel Wade does give an explanation on this, but in my opinion, Read Preservation first, its a good book so what's the harm :)

[Kate Givans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed. I cried. I read until I needed toothpicks to keep my eyes open! In short, Love and Relativity made my very short “epic love story” list. But in more depth:

“My problem is, I can’t do this shit anymore, Emma. The girl I fucking love is sitting across from me, and I can’t have her. I can never have her because all I seem to do is hurt her, and it’s killing me, alright? Seeing you like that last week...it tore me open and ripped out my insides. It feels worse than the three years I couldn’t touch you combined. There’s nothing left of me, because you have it all. You were right. I am no good for you—not now, and not in the future. I’m done with this back and forth bullshit, so please, just say what you came to say and be done with it, because I can’t fucking take it anymore.”

That. Right there. And so much more is why Love and Relativity is currently my favorite Rachael Wade novel, and probably one of my favorite reads this year.

Jackson is totally bad-boy-with-a-good-heart yummy. He tries his damndest to stay away from Emma, to do what’s right by her. He wants more for her than him, but their love is fueled by sheer magnetism and Jackson isn’t the bad boy he thinks he is. He’s caged himself in, simply put up walls because of the things he’s been through, which really just makes him all the more desirable in the end.

Emma is struggling with her own issues: a jerk of an ex-boyfriend, her own walls and inhibitions, the grief and loss of her sister and the secret that binds her and Jackson together – the one thing that tells her that there’s more to Jackson than meets the eye. But figuring it all out is easier said than done.

Be prepared for some serious swooning and steamy scenes. And don’t be surprised if you spend half the book wanting to ring either Jackson’s or Emma’s necks because we, the readers, can see they are perfect for each other but one or the other seems to think that they’re better off sabotaging the entire thing.

My favorite character from Preservation also plays a pretty big role in Love and Relativity. I got to know him better and I got to see him happy, which I totally loved. He’s the sweet, pure hearted guy who most girls overlook because he lacks that bad boy edge. But to me, he’s beyond yummy and totally the kind of guy I would marry (and yes, I did marry the total sweetheart and I’ve never looked back! =)). So for me, Love and Relativity also righted and the wrongs I’d felt at the end of Preservation, making Love and Relativity all the more enjoyable.

[Farrah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet, steamy, and a great New Adult romance, Love and Relativity was an enjoyable read. I didn't completely love it, but I definitely liked it.

Emma was a good heroine. She knew what she wanted and nothing was going to keep her from achieving it. She was strong and likable. I thought she was great.

Jackson was a sweetheart. He had a crush on Emma for a while and didn't have the nerve to do anything about it. He truly cared about her and was devoted to making her dreams come true, which I thought was adorable. I really liked him.

The romance was lovely. It was both sweet and steamy. Emma and Jackson were a perfect match, though no one would think that at first. They seem very different, but they were perfect together. And, the spicy moments were super hot. Their chemistry was off the charts and the sparks were flying. Definitely a ton of hotness going on here.

My problem with the book was how the characters acted. By that, I mean Emma and Jackson did some really stupid things and it got frustrating. They tended to jump to conclusions, assume things about each other, do things without thinking, have they worst timing in the history of the world, and be their own obstacle to a happily ever after. It was frustrating and inhibited by enjoyment of the book. I still liked it, but this issue kept me from loving it.

The plot was okay. Because of the character issues, the plot was slow in some places. But, for the most part, I was kept interested. I enjoyed the story and I thought the ending was a perfect conclusion.

Love and Relativity was a great New Adult romance. I enjoyed reading it. Lovers of romance, if you want a lovely read to pass the time, you might want to check this book out.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

[Margaret (Margot) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first novel I've read in a long time that could have actually been told about real people. The characters aren't mega-millionaires, they aren't CEO's of a successful business. They are dreamers, even though they may not realize it at the beginning. Souls who have experienced the hardest life has to offer and still carry on with their lives. They deal with their grief differently, but learn through their friendship more about themselves. It's a little sugary sweet, but I think it's needed because there are times when you get really pissed at one character or another. I thought the pace of the story was nicely done. I get tired of books that throw characters together after 20 pages and then try to convince the readers that they are soul mates. This is the kind of book that makes you wish there was a sequel, or 300 more pages because you like the characters so much you don't want them to leave you while at the same time you're grateful there aren't because that would mean they had to experience some other difficult situation. That being said, I read it in one day and neglected pretty much everything I should have been doing. To me, that is a good book :)

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, sexy, FRUSTRATING romance.. I really enjoyed it.. The chemistry between Jackson and Emma was scorching..and when they got together.. whew! wow! This was a good love story with a sweet HEA. It was very frustrating along the way..typical back and forth --will they make it or not ( of course they will.. its a ROMANCE..) but the journey was fun!

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Star stats:
Jaded Adult: 5 Stars
Forever Young: 5 Stars
Over All: 5 Stars
Genre: Mature Young Adult, New Adult, Adults, Woman's Fiction, Chic-lit, Realistic, Contemporary, Romance
My Book Boyfriend : Toss-up between Jackson and Carter!
Most Like Me or who I want to be: Whitney. She a great friend!

I'll admit that most time I pass over Author's Notes and the like because I'm in such a rush to start the book I'm reading and find my escape deep in the pages. But this time I was stopped dead in my tracks by the inspiration of this book - “The Story” by Brandi Carlile. If you haven't heard this song before, I agree with the author; "LISTEN TO IT NOW" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYyn2r... I first fell in love with this song when Callie played by Sara Ramirez sang it on Grey's Anatomy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJmOU6...

When I looked the book up on Goodreads I thought it was a single, and for the record; for the part it can be read as one. After all with it being a full length novel it would seem silly for Wade to list it as 2.5. However, I think it would cut down on the confusion to call it a "Companion Novel (Preservation Series, #2.5). I can only imagine the flack this fast growing author must be getting over this.

Now having read both Preservation and Reservation from the Preservation Series I could wait to sink my imagination into this installment. I fell in love with the Preservation Series from the first word in the first book. But after I read the last word in Reservation, I knew this series wasn't over not yet. Not by a long shot, Wade couldn't leave Carter hanging in the wind. It just didn't feel over. And luck me and all the fans of this outstanding series... it's not over!

Part 1

The book starts off with a road trip to Disney to escape the harsh reality of what this time of year will bring , heartache and buried memories. I couldn't help but feel for Emma and the loss of her sister she is still struggling to deal with a year later. To compound her loss her boyfriend (Chris) cheated on her the day her sister died and dumped her the day her sister was buried. Then to add insult to injury he show up on the while she's dealing the best she can with the first anniversary all of all her misery breaks into her apartment then insults Jackson.

Jackson, Jackson, Jackson... The obvious bad boy for some reason we will come to love. First off, he share a secret with Emma about the night her sister died at the hands of a drunk driver. He confesses his love for Emma. But can his bad boy can't keep it in his pants way be too much for Emma to confess in turn the feeling she has been hiding for him? I'm tied up in utter knots riding the fence between love and hate for Jackson and if I think these two will be able to pull it together.

Part 2

Wow! Really what can you expect me to say. If I thought I was on the fence before now I'm dangling on a cliffs edge. Part two blew my mind. After Emma pretty much told Jackson she couldn't be with a man whore. Weeks later she decides that it no longer matters if he is a man whore because she loves him. Then has the audacity to trip because he moved on thinking she couldn't love him because of his past and runs again.

Once Emma gets over herself and Jackson has found himself in a heap of depression everything turns around for the couple and the sex between them is explosive. Only Emma has real trust issues with Jackson. After all, his past indicates to Emma she's on borrowed time Jackson. But I can't put all the blame of their relationship ending on Jackson no matter what huge ass he made of himself sharing Emma's secrets with the whole bar. I was Jackson after all who chose in the end to break up with Emma. Even Jackson knew he was a man whore and his sly sneaking around planning a future without Emma's knowledge would cause her to think he cheated. Hell, I would assume the same if a half dressed stripper showed up in the middle of our lovemaking beating on the door like a crazed mad woman.

On the flip side this is where my beloved "Carter" makes his appearance. YEAH! I know Emma has her damaged baggage going on and not much focus is being placed on Carter but from between the line you get this feeling that more is going on between Whitney and Carter than the story tells. Which leads me to hoping that Carter will have his HEA in book three (3) of the series.

Part 3

Heartache and disbelief surrounded me in the final chapters of Jackson and Emma's tale. Jackson's desperate attempts Emma's forgiveness is met by slammed doors, and ignored calls. Crushed by Jackson's public admission of Emma demons and vivid memories of Jackson, Emma finds herself in the same state as Jackson. A chance encounter in the bathroom brings Emma to her knees and Jackson on the run.

I can't say much more because I fear I have already let too much out of the bag already. However I loved the ending with tears in my eyes. My hope is that all these characters will have a follow up and wish for many many more books in this series!

Recommended for: Ages 17 and up

[Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***

Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade
Book 1.5 of the Preservation Series
Publisher: Rabbit Hole Press
Publication Date: December 12, 2012
Rating: 3 stars

Source: Bought from Amazon

Summary (from Goodreads):

Love, life, and happily ever after? It’s all relative.

Marine biology student Emma Pierce lives in paradise—geographically speaking, anyway. Stranded on Sanibel Island, Florida, she works at a nursing home by day and spends her nights dodging the island's infamous bad boy, Jackson Taylor, at her favorite karaoke bar. Trying to heal from the loss of her sister and a failed relationship she rerouted her life for, she's ready to graduate and finally leave Florida behind.

When a run-in with Jackson and his rowdy crew goes sour at the bar one night, sparks fly and irreversible damage is done. It’s no secret that Jackson loves to get underneath her skin, but this time he's gone too far. Now all he wants is to earn her forgiveness before she's gone for good, but their ideas of closure—and the future—are enough to keep them worlds apart.

What I Liked:

I love the tie-in between Preservation and Love and Relativity. Carter, from Preservation, is the key connector. Emma and Jackson's story is very different from Kate and Ryan's story. I believe this book is considered New Adult, and it definitely had the New Adult feel. Their relationship is not quite as serious as Kate and Ryan's, and yet there are so many complexities, just like Kate and Ryan's. I compared these two books a lot, as you can see.

As in Preservation, there is a good amount of depth in each leading character. Even the secondary characters are fleshed out. Emma and Jackson have their own problems, some worse than others, and they have to work through them in order to have a good relationship, and a foreseeable future.

The romance and relationship-building in this book was once again, pretty nicely done! Ms. Wade definitely knows how to have a relationship progress pretty well, and she knows her way around a steamy scene. But I had many problems with it though, as with Preservation.


What I Did Not Like:

*Sighs*

Remember my Preservation review? No? Read it HERE. The same problems I had with Preservation, I had with Love and Relativity, and then some. The whole I-am-woman-here-me-roar and I-am-independent-don't-try-and-take-care-of-me things are RIDICULOUS.

Again. I understand wanting to be independent, a man's equal. I get it. But then there is trying to control the man, consciously or unknowningly. Emma is so wishy-washy! She wants Jackson, she doesn't want Jackson. She pushes him away, but then she expects him to give her "time", and "space", and not see or TALK TO other women.

Really?

Emma doesn't want to give up her life for Jackson (understandable), because she thinks that her dead sister would want her to go far, far away, and study. WHAT? REALLY? Are you basing your decisions on what a dead person MIGHT have thought? I'm sorry, does that person tell you what to do, alive AND dead? I mean no disrespect to the dead. But this is something that I universally hate about grieving people, and not just Rachael Wade's character. Are you really going to sit there and figure out what a dead person might have wanted for you? What do YOU want for you?

I think I hit the trust thing. I also hit the independence thing too. With Kate in Preservation, it was her trying to push Ryan away, and then keep him close, but on HER leash. With Emma? It's her trying to be in a relationship with Jackson, but then not, and then she wants him to come with her to Seattle (I believe it's Seattle) when she goes to school. She wants HIM to give up his life for HER, even telling him that he is "standing still", which basically is telling him that he should be the one to come with her, because he doesn't try and change his current lifestyle.

Ridiculous.

Ugh. If this is how ALL of Rachael Wade's heroines act, I... I don't know what to say.

Would I Recommend It:

Not really. In this book, as with Preservation, the romance and chemistry saves it. I definitely enjoyed some parts of the book, like the first half. But this is not the best example of "New Adult". There are more enjoyable ones out there.

Rating:

2.5 stars - rounded up to 3 stars. Am I going to keep up with this series? Yes. But I am most likely not going to start reading Ms. Wade's other series, even though I have the entire set on Kindle. I have fun when Ms. Wade has freebie days! I may come back to them. Maybe not.

[CJ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I downloaded this book as I read and enjoyed Preservation, and as it was a freebie what was there to lose. I know what I lost and it was patience. I know that angst filled romances are popular and that complications always occur in contemporary romance, but this story has enough for several novels. There were just so many complications that the drama became too much for me. There was just complication after complication after complication, leading to more angst on top of more angst. The actual time Jackson and Emma were actually together and happy was such a small part of the book that I never felt like I got respite from the angst. I'm not joking about that either, they were only together and happy for about 15% of the book, in the middle.

I also have to say I had issues with both Emma and Jackson. Let's start with Jackson. Jackson is a bad boy sleep with anything who makes Travis Maddox (Beautiful Disaster) look like a saint. He is such a jerk at numerous points throughout the book that I found it impossible to like him a lot of the time. But then the he could be super sweet. But my biggest issue, for those of you who don't like it when the Hero can't keep it in his pants you will hate Jackson. Jackson declares his undying love for Emma, saying he has been in love with her for 3 years. Emma doesn't know what to make of this and asks for time. Two weeks later he is banging another girl because (his reason when she finds out)' I didn't think you wanted me'. Two weeks. Come on. Some undying love.

And this is where I have issues with Emma. Emma accepts this way too easily. She is at times a doormat to him, and yet at other times is super strong, and tells it like it is. I have to say because of this I found it hard to get a real read on her character as she flipped from one to the other too much. At times I really liked her and other times I wanted to knock some sense into her.

Not all of it annoyed me. There were no annoying editing issues, the book was written well, and it has an ending. I really liked the supporting characters. I just personally felt that with a little less drama and angst, and with some more happy parts, this could have made a good read. The final issue I have though is that although you get your happy ever after, due to Jackson's sleeping with anything ways and all the past angst, it felt more like a `happy for now', and what we all want from a romance is a happy ever after.

I would only recommend this is if you like REALLY angst filled complication after complication contemporary romance reads and don't have a problem with hero's who can't keep it in their pants you will love it.

Will I read it again? No

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! I would definitely put this one in the more realistic New Adult Category. Love and Relativity introduces you to Emma Pierce who is suffering guilt and grief from the loss of her sister from a Drunk Driver. She is in a rut but desperately reaching toward her dream to become a marine biologist and get off of the island (Sanibel, FL). She has a strange love/hate relationship with the small town bad boy Jackson Taylor. Jackson and Emma are like magnets that are pulled by an electrifying attraction. Emma feels that in order to achieve her dreams she has to stay as far away from Jackson as possible because he a playboy with a string of hearts broken all over the island. She doesn't want to be another notch on his bedpost despite the similarities and true understanding she feels from him.
After a disastrous weekend to Orlando, Emma ends up leaving early with Jackson. On that truck ride home, Emma begins to open herself up to the possiblities that Jackson might not be what he appears. Jackson has a determination and loyality to show Emma how he really feels no matter what happens. This is a roller coaster of emotions and misunderstandings that continue to keep two stubborn people apart. But the passion and chemistry between Jackson and Emma is flammable and ignites the reader by literally keeping a slow burn that you can't put down. I read this in one setting and didn't want to put it down. I had to know what would happen between them.

Jackson is one hot book boyfriend and will stay with you long after you put the book down. Everyone needs a little passion and loyality like Jackson in their life. This is a must read and will be up there with the likes of Beautiful Disaster by Jaime McQuire, Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarrity, and Taking Chances by Molly McAdams. A must read for anyone who loves their bad boys with a heart of passion.

[Nay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love and Relativity is kind of a spin-off of Preservation--well, not really a spin-off but an accompanying book in that Carter, Kate's bff from Preservation, has moved to Florida and is one of the side characters in this story.

This book features Emma, the tortured 20 year old who is trying to pick up the pieces and move on with her life, and Jackson, the bad boy womanizer who might be the only one who can save her. I enjoyed both the characters who were both vulnerable at times and aggressive at times. Jackson was sexy and domineering in the bedroom, although I don't think they usually used a bedroom ;) but he also had his times of asshatishness that provided much of the angst of the storyline.

This was very well written and EDITED (Yay!), so I didn't find anything in the writing to distract my enjoyment of the story. And I think I actually enjoyed this more than Preservation. All in all I give it 4 stars and recommend it to those who like New Adult angsty storylines with lots of steam!

Note: I just read that Reservation, the follow-up to Preservation, is coming out in 2013. From reading its blurb, I believe the events in Reservation actually happen before the events in this book, but I don't think reading one before the other will spoil anything in either of the storylines except possibly something to do with Kate and Ryan's engagement and pending nuptials. While reading Love and Relativity, we know that Kate and Ryan are indeed planning to get married the day after Love and Relativity ends, and it looks like the events in Reservation will show Kate and Ryan having problems, because of Ryan's past coming back to haunt him, during the time leading up to their wedding that could affect whether they ultimately get married or not.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! I liked this one so much I read it twice in a row! The author's note in the beginning of Love and Relativity instructs readers to first listen to the song "The Story" by Brandi Carlile before continuing further (the song being the inspiration for this story). I'm glad I was obedient! Not only was I introduced to a very talented musician (love the song!), I was able to understand the motives of the characters and why they did the things they did.

Emma Pierce and Jackson Taylor are one of my new favorite couples (I should make a list...). There are couples like Katy and Daemon (are mentioned in this story since some characters are reading JLA books...so cool!,) who bicker all the time and light each other (and readers) on fire. Then you have couples like Angel and Sara (Forever Mine-Moreno Brothers) who are so stinkin cute and sweet to each other you know they will be together forever. Emma and Jackson are a blend of both which made for a very sweet and moving story- dramatic but not unrealistic. The events and actions of the characters were believable and tasteful. There were a few times tho that I really wanted to smack Jackson upside the head for some decisions he made. I made allowances for Emma considering what she was dealing with but yeah, she could be a bit slow at times. Still, I love them both and if there was a possibility of their story continuing, I would read it in a heartbeat!

Full of love and heartbreak, betrayal and loyalty, and wrongs and forgiveness, Love and Relativity is a beautiful read that any New Adult lover is sure to enjoy. Happy reading!^.^

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRRRRR so much frustration, I'm not sure if it goes to Jackson, or Emma, or maybe the crap they put each other through. Jackson at times I wanted to strangle, and Emma at times I wanted to whack her across the head and yell "JESUS WOMAN HE LOVES YOU GET YOUR CRAP TOGETHER!" I cried alot, I mean the tears just kept on coming. I think I cried right up until the last page. Emma and Jackson obviously care so much about each other, but they're not sure of how to deal with the feelings, and then sometimes when they do deal with them it ends up hurting the other person. There was one scene I really could have killed Jackson embarrassing Emma in a bar over her sister's death, and in a really mean and hurtful way. During the the book Emma and Jackson grow so much, and I think it's because they face things together, but at the same time alone. I loved reading this book so much. This is the very first book I've read by Ms. Rachel and I can say the woman has a way with words and a NEW fan.
"Why Emma Pierce, do you want me to take you to fantasyland and make all your dreams come true?" He winked with his good eye. It was painfully adorable."
"I wouldn't be changing for you. I'd be changing because of you. You seem to have quite a few conceptions of who you think I am and what I want and it's starting to piss me off. You're what I want okay?" He closed in on me, back to the dresser."

[Andrea Heltsley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so moved by this book! I read another one of Rachel's books and thought it was just okay, so I wasn't sure about this one, but it looked too good to pass up:)
There was strong character development and they really moved me. This was a new adult book not to be missed! Now I'm going to go back and read her Preservation series after this awesome book.
Holy hot sauce, Jackson is one bad guy that could steal your heart. There was compassion under that carefree playboy's facade.
This is a story that deserves five stars for it's fantastic character building and realistic points of view.

[Hbeebti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! This was one of those books that was easy to get into. I loved the friends to lovers story. Jackson the man whore was delish! I figured there had to be more to him then his whorish ways, and there was. This book focuses on death of a family member and learning to deal with it. Also there is the romance that has a couple of rocky starts. But there was a moment around 70 something % and Jackson opened that sexy mouth and I was shocked and horrified with what spewed out. It was something that I would struggled to forgive. The H/h were both likable and both had issues that they struggled to deal with.

[Lindsay]

Amazon Freebie 01/26/2013

[Keren Hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read a book that made you laugh, cry, get excited, get infuriated and eventually you find yourself emotionally numb? If not, then prepare yourself and read Love and Relativity.
I can honestly say, even though the year is not yet over, this is my favourite book of 2012. It's an emotional roller coaster for the characters, but also for you the reader.

Emma Pierce doesn't do casual flings. She wants a serious relationship with someone who loves her as much as she loves them.
Jackson Taylor doesn't do serious relationships. He goes from girl to girl. Bed-hopping is almost like a sport and if it was in the Olympics, Jackson would surely win gold.

Emma is studying marine biology, hoping to get into a university in Seattle. Her sister Jen passed away recently and Emma feels like she needs to live the dream. It was Jen's dream to travel and so Emma feels like she should fulfill it. She's getting over the loss of a long and steady relationship, because Chris cheated on her and so she feels the need to pack up and leave Florida behind forever.
But is she really leaving for herself or because it was Jen and their mom's dream to travel? And in the end, does it matter who's dream it is, as long as she fulfills it?

Jackson has known Emma for years and he always tries to get her to see him the way he sees her. On a Friday night at Pete's, he knows she goes in with her best friend Whitney, so when he goes in with his friends to play pool, he always sidles up and flirts with her. But Emma never gives in to his flirtations. She doesn't want to be just another notch on his bedpost. Doesn't stop him trying though, right?!

On a Friday night, Emma and Whitney go to Pete's, share a shrimp basket, get drunk and then Emma gets up on the karaoke with Jackson to belt out a tune by Sublime. It's been a tradition for a while now, that and the fact that Jackson comes and flirts with her. She knows he's a serial bed-hopper but she can't help the attraction she has for him. His charisma and magnetism coupled with his tanned body, 'elevator sex' hair and beautiful eyes, all make for a racing pulse. But she knows she can't go there. She wants serious, he's just looking for a good time...

Emma can't but help but remember the night her sister Jen died and how Jackson came to her rescue as she was at the side of the road. He wrapped her in a blanket and took her home, he held her and the silence wasn't an uncomfortable one. Jackson was her rock. He let her sit there without pushing her to talk. He let her in time and time again as she felt the need for the safety and comfort that came with visiting him.

Somehow, Jackson has gotten under her skin. He's an itch she can't scratch even though she desperately wants to. She knows what it's like to kiss those soft, sensuous lips. They've shared a couple of kisses before. But never more than that.... Until... one night she caves in and goes home with him.

Can she do casual? Can Jackson do serious? They fight what they are feeling whilst they are both wondering if they cross each others minds.

At this point in the book, I was really rooting for a happy ending for them because I had fallen totally in love with Jack. He got under my skin. This was my Goodreads status at 37% into the book....
"My heart is on the verge of breaking for Jack and Em right now. I am really rooting for a happy ending, I think they deserve one. I'll be heartbroken if they don't end up together."

I have to be honest, this book had really gotten to me. I was hook, line and sinker invested in the story and characters.
I was reminded of a song by one of my favourite bands, Our Kind of Love by Lady Antebellum. The lyrics in particular were "Just like driving on an open highway, never knowing what we're gonna find. Just like two kids baby, always trying to live it up, woah yeah that's our kind of love"

At 50% in, I was more than ready to get into the book and knock the pair of their heads together. I couldn't hold back the tears. This was my Goodreads status...
"OMSG can tears come down in an avalanche? Is that possible? If it is, that's what's just happened to me. Every time I read a book by Rachael Wade, I know I can't fight back the inevitable crying, but I hope to ward it off as long as possible. This time it was the halfway point and I blew a gasket. Damn I need to wash my tear streaked face!!!!!"

That was the first time I cried but I knew it wouldn't be the last. How right was I when I got to 67%, I cried yet again. My Goodreads status went like this...
"So yet another deluge of tears. I can't stop crying this time though. All I can do is taste salt as they wend their way inevitably onto my lips and into my mouth. Damn you Jackson, you stubborn bastard *goes back to reading and crying and wiping my eyes on my sleeve*"

As you can probably tell, I was more than a little frustrated at this point.Imagine how I felt when I got to 72% and had to put the book down and physically walk away. I turned off my Kindle and went to bed. I just couldn't read any more. This was my Goodreads status...
"I can't cry any more tonight, I have a headache. I'm going to bed and will tackle the last 28% tomorrow when I think I can face it. That's the thing, I physically need to walk away from this book because I'm so angry. Jackson Taylor is undeniably a bastard but I (like Emma) love him anyway!"

I couldn't help but be reminded of one of my favourite songs. This song is the absolute epitome of Em and Jack....I Run To You by Lady Antebellum....

"I run from hate
I run from prejudice
I run from pessimists
But I run too late
I run my life
Or is it running me
Run from my past
I run too fast
Or too slow it seems
When lies become the truth
That's when I run to you

[Chorus]
This world keeps spinning faster
Into a new disaster so I run to you
I run to you baby
And when it all starts coming undone
Baby you're the only one I run to
I run to you..."

The following morning, I thought I would finish the last few chapters off. What I wasn't prepared for was to have to put it down again after only one chapter. That chapter was filled with so much emotion that I was crying like a newborn baby. So I put it down for a couple of hours until I had composed myself enough to read the end.
At this point, I was determined to see the book through to the end in one last sitting. I knew there was going to be at least one more time where I cried. I could see it coming a mile off. But what I didn't prepare for was to cry another THREE times!!

I was reminded of another of my favourite songs... Need You Now by Lady Antebellum....

This book was such an emotional journey that I really should have had an extra large box of tissues beside me as I read. When I first picked it up, I didn't realise what I was in for. If I had, I would have packed a bag for the trip.

Rachael Wade is one of my favourite authors. She has been since I read her Resistance Trilogy. Then I read Preservation which was amazing. I am really looking forward to reading the sequel, Reservation because we get to see some more of Em and Jack. The thought of that makes me really happy.

I love Rachael's style of writing so much because she doesn't just write a book. It's not just any story. No, it's a journey, an experience. She makes me want to dive into the book and stay there forever. In the case of Love and Relativity, I really wanted to get in there and bang Em and Jack's heads together and make them see that although from the outside it looks like they want different things, they really should just get together and see where it takes them. You don't know if you don't try, right?!

It was a complicated situation for the two of them, there were secrets, lies and skeletons in the closet that if I disclosed right now, you would hate me for ruining the story for you. So all I will tell you is that although they have their ups and downs, Em and Jack really are perfect for each other.

I have a thing for happy endings, for passionate love stories. If you do too, please pick up a copy of this amazing book.

[Tracy *To the point Reviews* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rachael Wade knows how to put her heroines go through hell!!

Basically the heroine and hero have known each other for years. They frequent the same bar every Friday night. He's hunky manwhore who loves to tease and goad her, but all in good fun because the heroine isn't interested in him. How could she be? She sees him go off with different woman all the time. Furthermore, she's determined to complete her studies and leave the lovely tropical Florida Island where she resides to finish her studies on the West Coast. But their easy banter and friendship soon deepens enough for him to finally admit that he wants her. She resists because she knows this could be a massive disaster. Yet, she decides to take the plunge. And from there, the roller coaster ride begins.

Lots going on in this book. There's a secret between the hero and the heroine concerning the night of her sister's death. But that complete reveal never happens until the near the end of the book. Not sure why because it was that ugly a secret. The way it was revealed was pretty awful though.

This was an angsty read for me because I knew the hero would mess things up. And mess up he did... CONSTANTLY!! I don't want to reveal too much but his womanizing ways always pop up and the worst times. This was a yo-yo ride of ups and downs and to tell you the truth, I didn't know how the heroine could possibly trust him again after all his issues and blunders.

Lots of flashbacks to that time when her sister died, and found those moments to be confusing and awkwardly placed throughout the story.

If you're in a mood for some drama, highs and lows and a very abrupt HEA...(Which was completely predictable BTW) Take a gander.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't have any words right now. I was at about 55% in this book when I started reading at about 10PM, and I just finished it now. I'm not sure I expected to finish it, but I did, and now I just don't know where it all went. I didn't even realize how late it was until I documented my finish time, as per usual. I'm going to try to write a review, but I might have to come back to clean it up later. Let's just see where it goes.

I came across this book on Goodreads a while ago, and I thought it looked good, but I add so many books to my TBR shelf on here that I just lose track of them sometimes. About a week ago, I came across it again, and it sounded so incredibly good. I checked the quotes on the book's page, because even though they do have spoiler-y things sometimes, they are often what seal the deal for me, in terms of which book to start. This book just seemed to call to me, like I needed to read it now. I'm so incredibly glad that I did.

Early on in the book, Rachael mentioned the main character, Emma, having a Kindle. I loved that immediately, since that's my e-reader of choice. She continued to make references about books that I have either read or know about, and at first I was a bit hesitant, wondering if she would be picking on a particular series of books I am very defensive over because it gets too much hate. Boy, was I wrong. In fact, she did the opposite, supplying me with an incredible argument that I will use for myself in the future when defending the books, or any romance book in general. I'll admit, I'm kind of a romance junkie myself, and like Emma, I can have a hard time admitting that to people. I'm always afraid people will think I'm reading just for the smut, or judge me based on some other assumption there is for romance novels, when in reality, I read it for much more. In reality, part of why I enjoy it so much is explained by Rachael, through Emma, in the beginning of the book. Rachael handled it beautifully, and in a way, I think it kind of forces readers to be more open-minded about this particular book. It challenges them and forces them to consider her words from the beginning as you move through the story. These words just jumped off of my Kindle screen and into my heart. I will never be able to thank her enough for what she gave to me.

With that, I was pretty much in love with Rachael and the book from the very start. It had a lot of promise. I just couldn't wait. I liked the characters immediately, and as I went on, I liked them even more, despite their imperfections--or, really, because of them. God, I don't know if I expected this to be the deep, complex read that I got, though. I mean, I was choking up and tears were pooling in my eyes pretty early on. With that said, I shed many tears in many different spots of this book. It was harder, as I finished the last 50% or so, as I was in the company of my parents and brother, to shed the tears I knew would be sobs if I'd been alone. (It's hard for me to show my full emotion/reaction to a book when I have an audience.) I still cried, though, and I still freaked out and fidgeted, especially toward the end.

"There's nothing left of me, because you have it all."

I loved Jackson more than I could ever tell. I loved watching him grow, seeing as his character developed beautifully. That's yet another thing I love Rachael for. The things he said, the things he did, just made me love him even more. My heart broke several times for him, but thankfully, Rachael had the decency to keep putting it back together for me.

I also loved Emma, of course. I loved her character development, even if her actions tended to annoy me at some points. Of course, I understood where she was coming from, so I was never angry at her for long. Carter was a beautiful addition, and you can bet I'll be reading the Preservation series to hear more from Carter. He was such a strong character, someone I instantly loved. I even loved Whitney! She was funny, witty, and totally the best friend Emma could have ever asked for. (Oh, and I see that Emma, Jackson, and Whitney will all have roles in the Preservation series, as well. I'm SO looking forward to that. Eeee! I can't even tell you!)

I think Rachael chose the absolute perfect way to end this story. The last few sentences, in fact, caused several chills, right after the other, as I read them. The story of Emma and Jackson was a rough one, and a real one. Their journey took a lot of work, and it wasn't rushed at all. I am so pleased with the way Rachael handled it, and I am even more pleased with the ending. It is, by far, one of the best endings to a book that I have ever read.

All in all, I loved this book. It was a raw, heart-achingly beautiful story of love, loss, and redemption. I'm so glad I picked this book up. You can bet that I'll be reading more from this author. I think the fact that this is probably the longest review I've ever left on Goodreads, or for any book ever, says something about what this book meant to me. Pick it up now and read it. It's a gorgeous story that has impacted me in ways I cannot even begin to explain.

Oh, actually, there's one thing I'd like to know. There was a romance novel referenced at least three different times, possibly four, that was never named and that we received no hints for. With the other books, readers could guess what they were, as I did. This book, however, I have no idea what it is. I kept hoping Rachael would reveal it by the end, but she never did. So, my question for you, Rachael, if you ever happen upon this review, is what is that book? I'd really like to know. Does it exist? If it does, why was it a good addition? I understand the significance and relevance of the book in general, but why the particular book? If it doesn't exist, did you at least have one in mind? You've left me quite curious. I think perhaps you may have done it on purpose.

Just go read the book. It's really, really good. I know I toss five stars around pretty easily sometimes, and in reality this possible got 4.5-5 stars, but don't think too much of it. This was truly incredible. I'll be reading it again someday.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Love is like art,” I shrugged. “It’s relative.”
“I don’t think so. I think it’s absolute. You know when you love someone.”

Emma Pierce has been hurt by love before. She planned out her entire life with her boyfriend only to have everything fall apart. Now single – and looking to keep it that way – Emma isn’t looking for distractions. She’s applied a program on the other side of the country and can’t wait to move away from the town where she’s haunted by memories of her sister and dogged by the baddest boy in town – Jackson Taylor. Jackson is the one guy who could tempt Emma to change her plans. He’s gorgeous and there’s no denying the sparks that fly when Emma and Jack are in the same room. But she’s a one guy kind of girl and he has a different girl warming his bed each night.

I loved reading the story of Emma and Jackson. Their chemistry flies off the page and from their first interaction I was hoping for a happily ever after. The banter between them is witty and heated with the romance red hot. What I liked most about Emma and Jack was they’re both flawed. Jack gets around and makes the same mistakes over and over again with Emma not willing to face up to reality at times. Their faults aside they both have some great qualities too. Emma is down to earth and a caring side. I thought her interactions with the residents at the retirement home where she works to be both funny and sweet. She’s a very strong person too. I loved that she didn’t let life get her down. She wasn’t going to give up. That said – she wasn’t bullet-proof and her actions and reactions were refreshingly realistic. Jackson is a little messed but oh-so attractive and one of those guys that I can imagine being many readers’ book boyfriends.

The supporting cast was great – with them being interesting and having stuff of their own going on. I am definitely going to check out Wade’s Preservation series to read their stories. Plot wise, this is a book about love and relationships. But it’s also about families and over coming the past. It was nicely done with an ending that was absolutely perfect and played out like a romantic comedy.

Love and Relativity is a great story. It’s incredibly hot – definitely not recommended for young audiences – with some characters that I loved and a plot that really worked for them.

(PS. The reference to the Lux series by Jennifer L Armentrout made me laugh and was a nice tribute considering the cover models for this book!)

[Melissa Hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

For my full review and picture check out http://smardy-pants.blogspot.com/2012...

This is the best book Rachael Wade has ever written…. Well I’ve only read Preservation so far, but if L&R tells me anything, I know the rest of her books have to be equally as good and I can’t wait to read EVERYTHING else that Rachael has written!

I couldn’t put it down. I am so excited to find out that Emma and Jackson show up again in Reservation (Preservation #2). I am major book crushing on Jackson right now J cheesy grin!

Emma is a pretty smart girl. She knows what she wants in life and will do anything she can to attain it. She has certain guidelines in her head and she makes sure she sticks to them to ensure she can achieve all of her dreams.

Emma is fighting her own demons and trying to keep the memory of her sister locked inside her head. She wants so badly to live up to the expectations of her sister, but her sister died a year ago and it’s hard to try and follow her sister’s dreams while still keeping the memories and emotions locked inside.

Jackson on the other hand is total opposite of Emma. She is neat and organized; he is messy and plays his rock music way too loud. Emma thinks of him as one of her closest friends, who she sometimes sings karaoke with. But it’s hard to keep Jackson in the friend zone when he is:

The whole tempting, sexy, albeit frustrating package: playful, charming, and rebellious. All together, it made for one delicious dish.

Not to mention he seems to be the type that always wants what he can’t have and according to Emma he certainly cannot have her. Jackson is a total playboy and Emma is not looking to be just another notch on his bedpost.

Jackson feels total opposite of what Emma thinks. He has wanted her for a long time but not for the reasons that Emma thinks. He is drawn to her, she is the most beautiful, outspoken woman that he knows and he loves her persnickety ways. Emma can’t seem to get it in her head that Jackson may actually want a serious relationship.

L&R takes us on a journey through the mind of Emma and how she over analyzes things. We get to see what Jackson will do to win her over and how she will react to him.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Pierce is a student trying to find her way after the death of her best friend and sister, and the loss of her long time boyfriend. Jackson Taylor is a cocky ladies man who is dealing with issues of his own. The two hang out and flirt every Friday night at Pete’s Bar, but it is nothing more than some innocent fun – or given their shared past, is innocent and uninvolved even possible?

Love and Relativity by Rachael Wade was a freebie a few weeks back. I thought it looked decent and it had some good reviews so I thought I’d give it a try. I liked it, the characters were real enough, the flirtation between Emma and Jackson was fun, the conflicts and personal growth were enough to keep this from being just your basic romance. The romance was downright steamy, and the whole book was well written, with a good plot progression as the layers got peeled from our main characters. It had everything it should have to make a great book, everything I "need", but to me though, something just didn’t fit.

This book is full of incredible quotes on life and love. I don’t know if I have every highlighted so many moving quotes in one piece of work! Kudos to Rachael Wade on her amazing writing in this regard. Unfortunately, I think that is where I lost the feel for this book. Emma and Jackson had all these amazing insights into life that I just didn’t find believable. For one, for people this young to have it all figured out in the way they did was unrealistic. Some of these things I didn’t even figure out myself until recently! (No, I am not disclosing my age. Suffice to say I am older than the main characters, okay? LOL) My second hang up, was if Emma and Jackson had all this sage advice to give out, why couldn’t they follow it themselves? Why didn’t they see just how stupid some of their decisions were? It just seemed to be a contradiction. To most people they might not even notice, or think this was a big deal. It just rubbed me the wrong way in this book and kept me from appreciating it as much as I could have.

Overall, I give Love and Relativity 3.5 stars. It is a good book, and many would enjoy it because the flirtation and romance is good and steamy. It just wasn’t quite the book for me.

[Angelique · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know those books that you pick up and you just can’t manage to put them down? Those rare few books that you devour in one sitting? Those absolutely fantastic books that just stick with you, that you like going back to time and time again?

This is what Love and Relativity was to me.

Emma’s life has kind of gone off track after breaking up with her long time boyfriend and shortly after that losing her sister. For the past year she has been working hard at getting back on track and just getting on with life. The last thing she needs is a constant reminder of the night her sister died. That is exactly what Jackson is to her. Which is why she isn’t too thrilled with her feelings for him and his insistent pursuing of her. The book follows there constant bickering (way fun to read), their easy companionship and friendship and their exciting attraction to one another.

Emma and Jackson’s relationship was stunning. Right from the start you notice their obvious attraction. Emma feels unhappy and conflicted over her feelings for Jackson, especially as he is seen as quite the ladies man and he does pretty much everything within his power through out the book the cement this reputation. But once you look past their conflict and difference and really look at their friendship your breath will be taken away. Jackson, for all his bad boy ways has such a soft heart when it comes to the people he loves and counts as family and friends. He went through so much himself and still managed to be there for Emma at her darkest moments. Emma in turn does not disappoint. When Jackson reaches his own lows she is right there with him, even at the times where she feels like ripping his face off she still felt worried enough to find him and console him.

The characters were incredibly well developed and well thought out. Ms Wade did an amazing job describing the characters and the settings to the point where I don’t even think I had to imagine them because they were already built by her. Her supporting cast was just as fascinating as the two mc’s. I felt connected to them all and if this is they way all her books go (which I am sure it is) I cannot wait to read more of her work.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Another amazingly written story by Rachael Wade!! I dont know how she does it, but every time I read her books, I feel my emotions run wild, I cry, I get angry, and I feel all kinds of passion for the characters. If you have not read one of her books you are definitely missing out. They are flawless.

Emma and Jackson are complete opposites and can't stand to be in the same room as one another or so they make everyone believe. Jackson is known as the player around town, he takes a different chick home every night and with his hot looks and charm he can definitely get away with it. Emma is a college student who has been hurt once before and isn't about to get back into another situation like that again, so when Jackson comes into their usual Friday hangout with his friends, there is no way she is going to give him the time of day.

Jackson and Emma have both worked hard for where they are and have lost someone important in their lives, they know how it feels to lose someone you love dearly, Emma lost her sister a year ago to a drunken driver and Jackson lost his mother to Cancer when he was in high school. They seem to be able to relate and help one another out on these terms.

However, no one expected them to fall for one another and no one expected Jackson to be a one woman kind of guy, that was til he fell for Emma Pierce. She changed him for the better, he wanted to be better for her. The more they were together the stronger the connection got and of course the sex was even wilder than they both imagined possible.

When Emma gets her acceptance to her dream college on the other side of the United States, she didnt realize that Jackson would have a problem with it. Jackson could not deal with a long distance relationship never wanted to give it a thought.

Read Love and Relativity to see how Emma and Jackson work or dont work through their on and off again relationship.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

www.the-book-diaries.blogspot.com

Rachael does not disappoint with another great story from her Preservation Series. Although this is not one of the actual books within the series, it is nearly an extension of her side characters. I first became a fan of Rachael's with her Amaranth Trilogy. Being a huge paranormal fan, it was right up my alley and I loved it. As a reader being somewhat new to the Adult Contemporary genre, I was taken through a roller coaster of emotions with Preservation. When I heard from Rachael about book 2, Reservation, my stomach was in knots just thinking about where Kate and Ryan would go in their relationship. I almost talked myself out of reading it just because I could not stand to read about any heartache Kate would endure.

When Love and Relativity came out as an extension of the Preservation Series, I thought this will definitely prepare me for Reservation. Well, it did and it didn't. Love and Relativity was more of a romantic roller coaster than Preservation. Rachael, what are you doing to me? I loved this story but had to fight to get through it. The love and loss between Emma and Jackson is both heartwarming and heartbreaking. So many obstacles for both of them to go over to be together makes you wonder if it's really worth it. It brings the cold hard truth about love and relationships to light, love makes you crazy and relationships take a lot of work. Being a fan of the "Bad Boy Club" myself, I cheering for Jackson on page one. This book is just one proof that all bad boys need are to be tamed by the right woman. Rachel's female characters in all her books have a strong backbone and actually use their brain. They are realistic and their actions actually make sense. Her stories are fictional but realistic fiction. Emma and Jackson will be no strangers in the Preservation Series, it will be interesting to see how they will tie into the story of Kate and Ryan.

[Susan Griscom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Phenomenal Read!

Outstanding Book!

"Forgiveness wasn't ever easy, but a feat much more manageable when you weren't the subject of its grace."

Rachael Wade brings it, big time on this one. I've been a fan of Ms. Wade's since her very first book, Amaranth, and she just keeps getting better. In fact, this book, in my opinion, is her very best work, yet. This contemporary romance couldn't have been written better. Everything about it is perfect. Rachael never skimped on settings and the character descriptions were out of this world in every scene.

I'm not ashamed to say, I fell in love with Jackson and not just because of the cover, which is swoon worthy in itself. I'm a sucker for the bad boys, and Jackson is no exception. Jackson, bad boy on the outside, gentle caring man on the inside. He's in love, mixed up and does stupid things, but I loved him anyway, mostly because he wasn't perfect all the time and seemed more real to me. And oh my, the sex scenes with Emma and Jack were hot!

There were scenes in this book that made my heart hurt. Yes, I actually felt the heavy weight of grief and love that was always on the edge of uncertainty. There were times I hated Jackson, but people do some pretty awful and irrational things when they are depressed and stupid with love. Should Emma forgive him? I probably would have. I wanted to cry for Emma so many times. She lost her sister and is having a very difficult time getting over it for reasons I can't go into without giving spoilers and I won't do it, you'll just have to read the book and find out. If I could, I'd give this book 6 stars. It is the best book I've read so far this year. Great job, Rachael.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackson, Jackson, Jackson.........

There are books you fall in love with and those very few that fall into the I’m-never-gonna-find-another-book-that-gives-me-this-kind-of-feeling category. These are the books that make you feel something that’s not easily translated into words. Love and Relativity is one of those for me.

This book caught me right from the start with that incredible prologue!!!! I was glued to my Kindle. Rachael Wade has crafted an amazingly genuine and complex story with characters that are entirely lovable and endearing. Emma and Jackson’s story felt so REAL. It truly is a love story. It was an emotional experience that had me laughing, swooning, smiling, crying, laughing, and crying some more.

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How can you know someone for so long and not really know them???? Is Jackson (Mr. Sex on Legs) Taylor really what he seems to be on the outside – the island’s infamous sexy bad boy with a revolving bedroom door– or is there more to him? What you see isn't always what you get…….

The more you find out about Jackson, the more you will fall in love with him. There is something very different and sincere about Jackson that will have you weak in the knees and melting. After all, how many guys do you know that would read a romance novel?????

Emma and Jackson’s story is so simple but complex that it would be very easy to give away too much. I will say that their relationship is beautiful, heartfelt, and sincere.

I’m so in love with this couple. Thank you Rachael Wade for bringing life to Jackson and Emma.

[Jennifer Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.75 Stars** Standard, angsty New-Adult Fare. Just how I like it!

Love and Relativity is a standard New-Adult read, college student falls for local bad boy...angst ensues! Emma has had a fairly recent tragedy that Jackson knows more about than anyone else. I loved the history these characters shared. I wish we got even more about their past together. This story was well told and had just the right amount of angst, for me.

Emma-"This is a dead end, Jackson. I'll never be able to convince you to fight for us until you start seeing yourself differently." Jackson-"I hope you can forgive me someday, Emma. I really do. I'm begging you, forgive me for all of it."

While reading I gasped "No!" on occasion, at 71% I wanted to throw my Kindle at the wall (that is the true sign of being invested in a story), and at the end I may have been a bit teary eyed.

Jen wasn't a ghost haunting her, but an angel leading her. Pushing her straight toward her fate, into the man with blanket's arms,...

My only complaint is that I wish a few chapters had been told from Jackson's POV. I really wanted to learn even more about him, and I really wanted to know his true feelings for Emma, not just what he wanted her to know. I think I would've warmed up to Jackson sooner and probably more than I did, if I had known why he did some of the things he did.

Overall I really enjoyed Love and Relativity, and look forward to reading it again, soon (another sign I really like a book), and I plan on reading Rachael's other series that has ties to Love and Relativity, Preservation.

[Lariza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book other than I LOVED it!! It's a must read for sure!! Of course I have to mention we get to see Carter again yay!! Emma and Jackson have a love/ hate relationship they obviously want each other however Emma is hesitant due to Jack's womanizing ways. They flirt for years before they give into to their feelings and desires. Jackson really surprised me-sure he was a man whore but he had so much substance and his reasons for acting that way were in my opinion justifiable. He tried to substitute Emma with anyone since she never hinted at wanting more than their usually flirting. He confessed his feelings for Emma right off the bat and that was very refreshing he didn't hesitate- Emma did! I really liked Emma the way she interpreted or described things was great- when she and Jack were discussing her romance reads and it being smut I loved what she said about sex and relationships. Whenever Jackson doubted himself or his actions such as how he behaved when his mother was sick, Emma had another view point for his actions yet she didn't justify him. Whit was a great friend that was there for Emma through thick and thin. Their relationship was frustrating, but in the end all the tears, heartache and time apart only served to bring them together!! Another great book from Rachael Wade, so glad I got to read it!!! I have to also say I really enjoyed that Whitney and Emma loved books ( I can't totally relate!), I love my kindle too!!