This book is a school girls fantasy. I would say it fits into the new adult genre. The characters are in their mid 20s. I really enjoyed it. By the end of the second chapter I was sucked in and didn't come up for air until a few hours later when I realized that I devoured the book in a single sitting. 
 Both Ryan and Kate are jaded and damaged and because of this they are guarded and keep people at a distance. What I liked about this book is that you could tell they liked each other from the beginning, but they both had a lot of internal struggles to deal with before they could be together properly. At first, I was annoyed that Ryan knew Kate was "different" so early on. I felt like he didn't get to know her well, but I quickly saw that this wasn't an insta love thing- it was a gut reaction and it didn't affect the deeper story line at all. I loved that about Preservation. Yes, they get together quickly, but it is so much more than that. Preservation is about two flawed individuals that need to do soem self evaluation and growth and try and make things work. 
 Charlotte is fiercely independent and I get that. I can relate to it, but even I think she goes too far with it. And Ryan is the typical guy that was burned and then turns to a womanizing but no deep connection path. I loved seeing their character growth throughout the book. They each had little setbacks along the way, but in the game of life- who doesn't? It was very realistic and very addicitive. 
 I loved Preservation and can see it as the type of real and smart book that I would go back to for a re-read. If you are looking for a more mature read about how two people can grow up and try to make it work, Preservation is a great book to pick up! 
 Settling