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Kate Canterbary
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Preservation (The Walsh Series Book 7) Kindle Edition

by Kate Canterbary (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,333 ratings
See all formats and editions

Riley Walsh doesn’t want a fake girlfriend but he needs one.

It’s the only thing he can do to deal with an ex who doesn’t believe it’s over and years of pining for the most off-limits woman in his world—his sister-in-law.

Alexandra Emmerling can’t catch a break.

She’s left picking up the pieces of her ex’s humiliating lies and manipulations, rendering her reputation in her ultra-competitive surgical residency program seems beyond repair.

A simple arrangement.

Two months. Four dates. Five at the most. But possibly six. Definitely no more than six. Only the appearance of a romantic relationship is required. No other benefits involved in this agreement.

One weekend to unravel the entire plan.

After waking up in bed together—very naked, very hungover—the terms and conditions of their arrangement no longer apply. But that doesn’t mean they’re finished with each other.



CW: history of emotional and physical abuse by a parent (not on-page); parent illness; parent loss; main character experiences with sexism at work.

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  1. Book 7 of 9
    The Walsh Series
  2. Print length
    412 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    June 13, 2017
  6. File size
    996 KB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"5 Everything I Ever Wanted and Everything I Never Knew I Needed Stars" ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"This is a must-read book within a must-read series and 5 stars just isn't enough to express my love for Riley and his SS." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"Pure lighthearted pleasurable reading." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"When you are halfway through chapter one and can't decide if you want to throw your kindle and abandon ship or embrace the uncomfortable, trust me, embrace it. Embrace it all and you will be rewarded with an amazing story." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"If I could give this book 100 stars, I would. It's my favorite read of 2017... I couldn't put it down. I laughed. I cringed. I fanned. I cried. I loved every single minute." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"Kate Canterbary is a master storyteller who transports you to the Walsh world and makes you want to stay forever." ~ Goodreads Reviewer

"...I am a Kate Canterbary fan for life. She weaves a story like few others, and I can't wait to read what she comes up with next."

"Kate Canterbary's writing paints a vivid picture with texture and movement that draws the reader into the story. Once inside, you never want to leave the world that she has created."

"Kate's writing style is perfection blending the right amount of wit, drama, sarcasm, historical information and love into a complex and deeply emotional storyline."

From the Author

More from Kate Canterbary
Underneath It All
The Space Between
Necessary Restorations
The Cornerstone
Restored
Coastal Elite
The Spire
Preservation
Thresholds
Missing In Action
The Magnolia Chronicles
Before Girl
Boss in the Bedsheets
Talbott's Cove series

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06XG5C5DQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vesper Press (June 13, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 13, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 996 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 412 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B08CWD68R7
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 2,333 ratings

About the author

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Kate Canterbary

Kate Canterbary

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USA Today Bestseller Kate Canterbary writes smart, steamy contemporary romances loaded with heat, heart, and happy ever afters. Kate lives on the New England coast with her husband and daughter.

Keep up with all the news and goodies here ➜ http://www.katecanterbary.com

Join the conversation in Kate's private reader forum ➜ http://facebook.com/groups/TheWalshery/

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
2,333 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

NovelMomma
5.0 out of 5 stars Riley gets his perfect someone!
Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2017
Verified Purchase
Let me start by saying I have a bit of an author crush on Kate Canterbary. I will read anything she writes. Yes, the Walshes are that good. This book is completely fantastic. In fact, I finished and immediately joined the Facebook group dedicated to it because I felt completely bereft that it was over. I NEED more! I am planning to now go back and reread the series in order. Yep, definitely a 5+ book.

Okay, on to the good stuff. This book is wonderful, perfect in fact! It can be read as a stand-alone, but you will get SO much more out of reading the entire series in order. It is listed as “romance” or “romantic comedy”, but it is so much more than that (not that I’m bashing romance). This series is also a family drama that keeps you coming back for more. I seem to fall in love with each of the characters all over again in each book. They are messy, but they refuse to be broken. They have gone through so much, but they are always there for each other - even if it is in their own quirky way. Riley is no different. He is sweet, strong, and oh so hot. He makes the perfect book boyfriend. While he is clumsy and adorable, he is also a strong protector who fights for what he wants. He knows he is a bit of a mess, but he is fiercely loyal and loving.

Alex is amazing. She thinks she is a mess when it comes to relationships, but she is really strong, loyal, and loving. She is smart, sexy, and exactly what Riley needs. She is a successful surgeon who is able to stand on her own two feet. She isn’t looking for Riley to rescue her, but they seem to rescue each other anyway. I love that she is sweet and a whole lot of salty. In order to make it with the Walshes, you have to be able to dish it out as well as you can take it, and she certainly can.

If you are reading the series in order, you will be completely thrilled by the appearances of all the other Walshes. After missing out on Monday meetings in Spire, we are able to welcome them back with open arms in Preservation. This book gave me a chance to fall in love with them all over again. There are so many wonderful one-liners as well as tender moments I didn’t see coming. I found myself moving from tearing up to laughing in a matter of minutes.

There are explicit sex scenes, but they are written in a way that shows the intimacy of the characters. They are light, fun, and oh so sexy. Rather than distracting from the story, they are perfectly embedded in a way that seems natural and real and hot. Riley and Alex definitely know how to get the job done. Their chemistry is off the charts!

If you are looking for a book filled with characters you want to know in real life that will make you laugh, tear up, and fall in love, it is one click away in Preservation. Kate Canterbary is a master storyteller who transports you to the Walsh world and makes you want to stay forever. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next! We still have two unmarried Walshes and a plethora of spin-off options. I’m looking forward to Cal’s story and hoping there are many more books to follow!
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Lisa Maurer
5.0 out of 5 stars Riley and Alex blew my mind and I loved every second - PERFECT ending to The Walsh Series!
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2023
Verified Purchase
5 “RISD” “Gastro Girl” “Honeybee” “Shortstop” “food moods” “shambles” “Aly” Kisses

Oh…my…gahhhhhhhhhh!!!!! I feel like this is my reaction seriously every time I finish a Kate Canterbary book - especially when it’s a Walsh book – but it legit never gets old. I love feeling this way. Riley was…so much more than I expected. To be honest, I don’t exactly know what I was expecting but it was not this and I mean that in a good way. I have adored these characters from the very beginning with Underneath It All and that love has only continued to grow and expand through The Space Between , Necessary Restorations , The Cornerstone , Restored , The Spire and lastly…Preservation. Technically, each book can be read as a standalone for the most part but really and truly, to get the full experience and appreciate this amazing family, I HIGHLY recommend reading the series in order. It’s not a deal breaker if you don’t but there is so much history and you really learn to appreciate the characters more by reading them in order. Plus the writing is fantabulous and The Walshes is one of my favorite series ever, so you really can’t go wrong.

Riley Walsh…oh my sweet little heart and soul, it’s literally impossible not to love Riley. I challenge anyone. He is goodness and sweetness and laughter rolled up in a big, sexy man who loves good food and gives great nicknames – tell me what’s wrong with that?!?! Nothing…absolutely nothing. Honestly…he excels at flying under the radar…he comes off as unassuming, just the goofy little baby brother who can’t keep his pants zipped…but no, he has so much more to offer and I was unprepared. That boy knocked me clean on my butt. The Walsh family history is…messy, hard, not a good time…each sibling has their own way of coping and it works but…for some reason, Riley’s pain hit differently. But that also made me love him more and getting to know Riley was just…exactly what I needed. I had no idea how much he had to offer…all the heart that was packed under the layers of smiles and quick lines. He is so good at keeping it all together…he’s the protector of all the secrets of the family…especially his own. TBH…I’ve been wondering since we found out about “the secret” in The Spire what Riley was going to do with that little problem/secret…and lucky for both of us, he found a Doctor that had the solution.

‘I didn't want to know him and I didn't want to like him, but I felt compelled to heal him. And that wasn't the doctor talking. Medicine hadn't made me a nurturer. But here I was, wanting to gather up his torn edges and bring them back together in a way that would erase all memory of the pain that had put them there.’

Dr. Alexandra Emmerling…oh Alex, Alex, Alex…who knew someone could pack all that sass into such a tiny body. From the moment she walked in with her red shoes and stole the show, I was an Alex fan. There’s nothing not to like about her unless you’re not a fan of tough, ambitious women who speak their mind and are hilarious. I did have my moments where I almost wondered if Shannon had taught her a thing or two because the stuff that came out of Alex were from the Mrs. Halstead School of smart-butt…and it was the best. But…Alex does come with her own stuff – Riley isn’t the only one who gets to deal with their fair share of family drama. It’s not fun…it sucks and I hated the way it affected Alex. She’s so smart and kind and funny and truly deserves the world…and it just so happens there is a sexy architect who wants to give her just that.

‘I glanced down at her toes and the chipped ruby nail polish there, and couldn't help admitting that I liked this girl. Every salty ounce of her. And I didn't like her because we needed to help each other survive a rocky patch of life. I liked her because I couldn't know her and not like her. She was fierce as heck and had more balls than any man I knew, but there was a quietly adorable side to her, too. Adorable like bright, bright eyes and tattoos I didn't understand and (a__) cheeks that required squeezing.’

Riley and Alex…aren’t looking for each other. I’ll be honest, I have a secret soft spot for couples like Riley and Alex…the ones who think they’ve got nothing in common, who are physically attracted to each other but that’s all there is…then wham! They hit you upside the head with their amazing banter and freak-of-nature chemistry and it’s like WOAH! Where have you been all my life? I seriously loved Riley and Alex so freaking much it’s unreal…and being fair to them, it didn’t take much effort on their part. They’re just that good. They immediately established this friendship that was electric…their personalities just clicked – and the physical chemistry was off the charts, so it was a natural slide into perfect couple-dom. I loved their dating…he toured her around Boston, fed her yummy food and took her to awesome places – how freaking amazing is that?!?! And don’t even get me started on how seriously hot these two were together…like just wow-za. But in all seriousness…their feelings for each other were so raw…and pure. I loved how protective they were over each other…how open Riley was able to be with her and how Alex allowed herself to be vulnerable with him. There were so many amazing moments with these two…I loved falling in love with them.

‘When had it happened? When had Alex stolen all the warm, tender places inside me for herself? And the rough, barbaric ones, too? It was as though she'd wandered into my life, all tiptoes and whispers, and reached in and rearranged my entire existence until it started and stopped with her.
I didn't know, but I was thankful for it.’

Kate Canterbary has crafted a one of a kind family that hits every emotional high note I can think of blended effortlessly together with sarcasm and humor…it truly does not get any better than The Walshes Series. I’m at a complete loss for how else I can sing her praises with what she has done through every book in this series…it just blows my mind. I know this is review is about Preservation but I absolutely have to rave about the series as a whole - each book is so vitally important and the way they all come together just makes it so much more. The thought and detail she has put into each character…how each story blends into the other…how this family is beautifully flawed and yet could not be more perfect if they tried – how does she do it!!?!?! I’ve never read an author that can write like Kate…her style is unique and one of the best I’ve ever read. I adore her style…how she can deliver things in such an elegant and intelligent way…how she can craft wit and sarcasm and then turn around and floor me with some of the sexiest scenes ever…her talent just truly astounds me sometimes. Especially when she can briefly mention Patrick’s lists or have Sam make a comment about a piece of furniture he made or Riley forgets to zip up his pants and there I am, smiling like a freaking lunatic because these 7 people (plus their spouses, plus other secondary characters) make me so insanely happy it should be illegal. I don’t know how she did it and honestly, I don’t want to know, I just need her to keep doing it forever and ever – that’s all!

"What's her nickname?" she asked.
"What?" I asked, my voice still raspy and raw.
"Her nickname," Shannon said. "You always find the perfect nicknames for the people you care about, so I'm just wondering what you chose for her."
Gastro Girl. Shortstop. Honeybee.
But that wasn't it. I couldn't force Alex into the narrow mold of a comic book heroine or fairy tale princess. She wasn't a handful of conveniently aligned characteristics. She was my Elektra, my Mystique, my Leia, my Katniss, my Daenerys, my Agent Carter, my Elizabeth Swann, my Arwen Evenstar, my Buffy, my Beatrice, my Catwoman, my Dorothy Gale, my everything, my…
"Aly," I said. "She's my Aly."

I’ve been a huge fan of Kate’s endings…there is nothing worse than a rushed ending that can completely throw off the flow and Kate has always done such an amazing job of putting in the work and effort with a smooth, complete ending…and it makes allllll the difference in the world. Especially with The Walsh crew. They do everything at their own speed and it works for them (and luckily usually me too). I’ll be honest I wasn’t sure how things were going to play out…my heart strings were pulled…but I was pleasantly surprised – which is pretty par for the course in regards to this series. It was definitely a little bittersweet finishing Preservation because this will technically be the last ‘official’ time I feel this way about a member of the Walsh clan…it’s the last book in the series, the last sibling…yes, there is still Thresholds the Christmas book about all of them, but all of my characters are happy and complete…and there’s nothing for me to be mad about that. I wouldn’t change one thing about any of these books…I loved all of their stories just as much as I love this family (and if you haven’t gathered it yet…that’s a lot!). As much as I will miss them, I will always treasure them…plus, now secondary characters are getting a chance to shine. I’m already ahead of the game in that department because I have read a few of them (Before Girl, The Magnolia Chronicles, Fresh Catch)…and I can’t wait for more. #MakeMeAWalsh #WalshLover
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4.0 out of 5 stars The Canterbary Tales Continue.
Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2017
Verified Purchase
As a long-term fan of the Walsh Series, I anxiously awaited the release of Preservation. I've always had a soft spot for Riley Walsh and looked forward to reading his journey. As expected, I devoured the book on release day. Then, I waited and gave it a re-read over the weekend. Yes, this story was full of the antics Kate Canterbary's fans have come to know and love: growly heroes, heroines who save themselves, biting wit, snarky dialogue and just enough "heat" (if you get my drift)... it's basically the full package. Yet, this story was lacking something to me. The ending felt very abrupt and slightly open-ended. Perhaps this was intentional, and there are more Walsh Series novels in the future? (That would make me immensely happy.) Please know that I am not a writer. Nor, am I not a critic; so who am I to criticize? (The correct answer is "no one.") The bottom line is that this is one fabulously talented author who has brought an amazing cast of characters to life in the movie in my little head. Whatever she writes, whenever she writes it, I will be there to read it.
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Top reviews from other countries

W R Rosen
5.0 out of 5 stars No romance hangover after this!
Reviewed in Germany on December 23, 2020
Verified Purchase
And she's done it again: Another book that leaves me glad that love people can and do grow and believing that real love exists and does happen to people.
Kate Canterbary has several things down pat: Writing characters one can't help but care about. Giving them the right blend of "gorgeous mess" that makes them believable enough to think they can exist and yet are one of a kind. And putting the right two of them together to tell their unputdownable story.
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Lori Webber
5.0 out of 5 stars No spoilers - Best book of the Walsh Series
Reviewed in Canada on June 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
I've been reading about the Walsh siblings since the very beginning. Kate Canterbary is my favourite author (full disclosure). And every single time I put down a book of hers (and I've reread the series three times) I am filled with awe at her writing and how much her characters come to life for me. I mean, this morning I was driving to an appointment and the whole time I was thinking about Riley. Like he was a real person. And you know what, he is. In our Walsh World, he certainly is.
We've all been waiting for Riley's story. We've seen what each sibling and their partners think about Riley. We've seen his... shenanigans. We've seen his inability to keep up his zipper and how frustrated his siblings are with him. We've seen them judge him (harshly mostly). We've seen him grow a little each book. Now it is Riley's turn to tell his side of things. And to fall in love with his Someone Special. No spoilers here. I will say he found his perfect Someone Special and she is absolutely incredible. Riley's inability to communicate clearly at times (partly his brothers and sister's fault for treating him like a child, partly his childhood stutter, and partly his laid back way of letting people just say and do whatever) creates some tense moments for his journey to winning over his significant other. Someone Special also has some challenges too because of her family history. The way that Riley and his SS learn to navigate their insecurities and past to trust each other and carve out their place in the Walsh universe makes for the best book of the series.
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all the books are mine!
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 13, 2017
Verified Purchase
Oh. My. Goodness. This book, this awesome, amazing, absolutely sublime book.
If you're a regular romance reader, you need to know this isn't a regular romance. It's so much more than that. It'll break your heart, make you laugh, make you annoyed, eventually make you satisfied in a way only great romances can.
The final Walsh is finally getting the ending us fans have all been waiting for. His special someone is special indeed. She sees beyond, the man-child, messy, messed up labels assigned to him by those around him. She sees his pure heart and grabs it for herself. That is one lucky woman imo 💕
To say this author and the Walsh series has become a favourite is truly an understatement. She and they now hold a ratified slot on my all time list. For an author who has only produced 8 books so far to have captured me so completely is rare. I read A LOT, for example, my Goodreads challenge figure this year is to read 500 books. I believe I know a good book from bad and I recognise a great book when I read it.
There is such an unjust perception that romance fiction is fluffy and without substance, this author blows that misconception out of the water. The Walsh series is truly some of the best writing available. Kate Canterbary never dumbs down, it is by turns sophisticated and sexy equally.
Speaking of sexy, prepare yourself for fanning of the face, a salacious grin and happy finish. I knew Riley would be an animal in the bedroom but even I was impressed by his prowess.
If you haven't read the preceding six books in the Walsh series, do yourself a favour and start from Underneath It All. Once you've devoured them, move on to the audiobooks of the series. I guarantee it'll give you a even more hours of enjoyment. 💜
As I conclude this review, I should be feeling bereft that the six lost Walshes have finally found their way home. It must mean the end of this beautifully crafted series, right? But I comfort myself with the thought that there is always Tom... 😁😇
I feel like I owe this woman some money for the hours of pure pleasure she have given me. 😏
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Renee
5.0 out of 5 stars RISD
Reviewed in Australia on June 15, 2017
Verified Purchase
OMG! My second favourite Walsh (Sam being my first), has his own book.

I've read all of the Walsh Series and I love every single book and now Preservation has been added more love.

Kate Canterbary is my all time favourite author.

This book was as amazing as I thought it would be.

At the start I kept jumping to my own conclusions as to who Riley was going to be with, first Magnolia then I thought Miss Honeys new teacher but eventually was very pleasantly surprised with Gastro Girl/Shortstop/Honeybee/Aly, (I love that he had so many nicknames for Alex).

I'm glad that he was finally able to see past his "idea of love" that he had for Lauren and given his real true love to Alex.

Super excited that Kate has hinted at another book, I can't wait.
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Ash Lake
5.0 out of 5 stars knowing it was the last Walsh sibling and not ready to say goodbye to my favorite Boston family
Reviewed in Canada on June 14, 2017
Verified Purchase
I get excited for every new Kate Canterbary release, but with this one there was a little sadness....knowing it was the last Walsh sibling and not ready to say goodbye to my favorite Boston family. But oh....oh she brought everything, EVERYTHING to the table for this one!
Riley, we've seen him throughout the series and I had a feeling his book was going to be my favorite. I mean Will will FOREVER be one of my favorite characters but Riley, his dirty talking alpha determination completely drew me into this book and made me fall hard in love with him. And finding out his someone special....oh girl didn't know what she was walking into. I loved watching their relationship develop and Riley fall in love was the perfect sendoff for one of my all time favorite series! Top read of the year for me! And just for the record, Bale will always be my favorite ;)
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