Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Rachael Wade's The Replacement. My stop includes all the detail you need for the book, my review, a teaser, and a giveaway.
This tour is presented by Xpresso Book Tours. You can check out all the stops on the tour by clicking here.
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The Replacement by Rachael Wade
Publication date: January 27th 2014
Publication date: January 27th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
Source: I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Synopsis:
*Contains sexually explicit content and mature subject matter, including language and elements of abuse.*
A gritty New Adult drama about a young woman’s self-destructive quest to find purpose, self-worth, and love in a broken world.
My name is Elise Duchamp. I’m twenty-three years old and I’m known as the town whore.
No, not the kind who exchanges sexual favors for money. The other kind. The kind who gives it all away for free, whenever and however she likes. I am that girl. The one everyone whispers about and the one none of the girls seem to like, because all of their boyfriends either want to sleep with me or already have. Promiscuity is my thing—the kind that slowly, violently turns my insides black, but gives me something I need.
All things considered, I’m not completely reckless. I’m safe, and contrary to popular opinion, I do have a heart. I live in a world of careless choices, and with those choices come careless people. I cannot judge them, because I am one of them. I too bow down to the altar of the self-serving. I am not a good friend. I am not and never could be anyone’s girlfriend. I’m convinced any goodness in me shriveled up and died long ago.
But I am a replacement. That is something I know how to be, and this is a story of the lengths I’d go to in order to keep it that way.
A gritty New Adult drama about a young woman’s self-destructive quest to find purpose, self-worth, and love in a broken world.
My name is Elise Duchamp. I’m twenty-three years old and I’m known as the town whore.
No, not the kind who exchanges sexual favors for money. The other kind. The kind who gives it all away for free, whenever and however she likes. I am that girl. The one everyone whispers about and the one none of the girls seem to like, because all of their boyfriends either want to sleep with me or already have. Promiscuity is my thing—the kind that slowly, violently turns my insides black, but gives me something I need.
All things considered, I’m not completely reckless. I’m safe, and contrary to popular opinion, I do have a heart. I live in a world of careless choices, and with those choices come careless people. I cannot judge them, because I am one of them. I too bow down to the altar of the self-serving. I am not a good friend. I am not and never could be anyone’s girlfriend. I’m convinced any goodness in me shriveled up and died long ago.
But I am a replacement. That is something I know how to be, and this is a story of the lengths I’d go to in order to keep it that way.
Rachael Wade is an author I will absolutely be reading again. She crafted a enthralling story with an MC that has many flaws but whom I couldn't help but root for.
Elise Duchamp is not what you think of when you think of a likable heroine. She is one of those women. A woman that uses her beauty and sex appeal to her advantage. Elise takes from others - she sleeps with unavailable men. While I certainly don't condone her choices, I nonetheless found myself identifying with her and the reasons behind those choices. Elise is insecure. She believes her trysts are all she deserves, but she's searching...searching for something. Maybe she's searching for herself.
Ryder Jacobson is a man who knows himself. He knows what he wants out of life. He's philosophical, he's a bibliophile *swoon*, and he has a bit of wanderlust. When he meets Elise, he knows he wants her. He's not all Alpha though. He knows Elise's past, knows she's broken. And he's patient, kind, and gentle in his pursuit of her.
Elise and Ryder's relationship, as it unfolds, was at times frustrating and at times heartwarming. Elise's attempts to sabotage what they're building made me want to shake her. Ryder's patience with her was endearing. I adore him for his part in helping Elise grow.
I think The Replacement is a sort of soul searching journey for Elise. And as I said, she's not a character you want to like, but I admired her spunk. She owned her choices. And I cheered once she began realizing she deserved more. Being witness to her finding herself - be her somebody - was satisfying, to say the least.
The Replacement was, at times, gut-wrenching as we watched Elise making mistakes. But mistakes area a necessary part of growing up and, luckily, Elise learned from hers. Elise's story was not always pretty. She was a bit broken. With some help from Ryder, she realized she wasn't un-fixable, that she did have goodness, and that she deserved love.
I was emotionally wrung out when I finished The Replacement. As I said, I'll be reading Ms. Wade again. An author that can evoke such feeling AND create a connection with a character with a shaky moral compass has quite a talent!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Elise Duchamp is not what you think of when you think of a likable heroine. She is one of those women. A woman that uses her beauty and sex appeal to her advantage. Elise takes from others - she sleeps with unavailable men. While I certainly don't condone her choices, I nonetheless found myself identifying with her and the reasons behind those choices. Elise is insecure. She believes her trysts are all she deserves, but she's searching...searching for something. Maybe she's searching for herself.
Ryder Jacobson is a man who knows himself. He knows what he wants out of life. He's philosophical, he's a bibliophile *swoon*, and he has a bit of wanderlust. When he meets Elise, he knows he wants her. He's not all Alpha though. He knows Elise's past, knows she's broken. And he's patient, kind, and gentle in his pursuit of her.
Elise and Ryder's relationship, as it unfolds, was at times frustrating and at times heartwarming. Elise's attempts to sabotage what they're building made me want to shake her. Ryder's patience with her was endearing. I adore him for his part in helping Elise grow.
I think The Replacement is a sort of soul searching journey for Elise. And as I said, she's not a character you want to like, but I admired her spunk. She owned her choices. And I cheered once she began realizing she deserved more. Being witness to her finding herself - be her somebody - was satisfying, to say the least.
The Replacement was, at times, gut-wrenching as we watched Elise making mistakes. But mistakes area a necessary part of growing up and, luckily, Elise learned from hers. Elise's story was not always pretty. She was a bit broken. With some help from Ryder, she realized she wasn't un-fixable, that she did have goodness, and that she deserved love.
I was emotionally wrung out when I finished The Replacement. As I said, I'll be reading Ms. Wade again. An author that can evoke such feeling AND create a connection with a character with a shaky moral compass has quite a talent!
**TEASER**
Hi Brandee, thank you so much for this lovely review and for being a part of the the tour today! I'm really glad you identified with Elise in some way, despite the fact that she is hard to relate to when compared to the typical heroine.
ReplyDeleteIf you have a moment and wouldn't mind leaving your review on Amazon and/or Barnes and Noble as well, it would be so very appreciated.
Thanks again for giving Elise's story a read!
Much Love,
Rachael
xo
Hey Rachael! Thank YOU for sharing Elise and Ryder with us. :) Elise's story is really an incredible journey.
DeleteI did post my reviews at Ama/B&N for you. :)
Can't wait to read more of your books!
<3
So I so saw the cover and thought, I'm intrigued. Read the blurb and thought, okay this one is a strong possibility. Read your review and I'm kicking myself for not signing up foe this blog tour so I could have already read it too! Sounds awesome - I adore flawed characters! Time to go look it up and see if I can afford it!
ReplyDeleteElise is flawed...and damaged. But she's amazing, Berls! I hope you get to read this soon! :)
DeleteI love the sounds of this one! The emotional connection and the shaky moral compass definitely sounds right up my alley! It reminds me of the Courtney Summers books where the MC is always a very unlikeable person, but somehow you like them by the end, you know! Great review!
ReplyDeleteYES, Giselle! Totally like Courtney Summers' books! Gosh, I haven't read Courtney in quite awhile. Thanks and I hope if you read The Replacement, you love it too!
DeleteI've read two of her books, Preservation, and was so-so about it, the latest one in that series was hella good though. I have a feeling Elise will annoy me though then again, I'm not one to shy away from annoying characters (within reason).
ReplyDeleteOoh, I one-clicked Preservation and the next one, I think. I'm excited to read them - but gotta find the time. :) Elise might make you a bit uncomfortable, Braine but you like edgy...so I think you'd love this!
DeleteThis one caught my eye the other day and I have wanted to read it ever since. I love when the MC isn't a cookie cuter perfect girl... its nice to get a change of pace. This sounds fantastic. Great review Brandee!
ReplyDeleteTeresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives
Maybe that's one reason I loved it so much, Teresa...Elise definitely isn't the perfect heroine. I think you'll like her! :)
DeleteYou and Donnie Darko Girl have made this a must read...when the time is right I think. I think Elise will really upset me with many of her choices, but I do love a self-discovery and forgiveness story. And I'm already crushing on the guy. Do not even claim Ryder. Blog tours shouldn't count. We need some book boyfriend rules. hehe
ReplyDeleteYeah, it is a great read, Robyn. But you DO have to be in the right mindset, I think.
DeleteOH ALRIGHT - I'll SHARE Ryder with you. But I have to tell you, I don't always play by the rules! ;)
Holy smokes I think I may need this book asap. A boy/ man who loves reading? So right *swoon*! I'm glad you said you sympathize with the character because I feel like after reader the description of her it would be hard and kind of hard to even be able to pick up the book. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh yes, Sharrice. Ryder is definitely swoony! ;) I remember I debated over whether to read this one...but I'm so glad I did. Even though her actions were morally questionable, I think most women can relate to WHY she did what she did. Thanks for dropping by!
Delete*GRRR* why did I come here to read this wonderful review of The Replacement? Guess what I already did? I added it to my Mount TBR *sighs* Why oh why do you continue to do this to me, Brandee? It sounds awesome, and I think the most intriguing part is that I might not especially like Elise... Soul-searching and discovery of self is always awesome to read about, and I just couldn't resist!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Wednesday, my dear. Stay safe and warm! *BIG HUGS*
Lexxie @ (un)Conventional Bookviews
*hehe* Well, I am (not) sorry to add to your Mount TBR, Lexxie. But turn about is fairplay, no?!? ;) Seriously though, The Replacement is a book you'll love, my friend. It's all about the journey!
DeleteI'm warm, inside by my fire. :) And the roads were a bit better this morning. BUT more snow is forecast for today thru Saturday. I'm not gonna complain though. :) I hope your week is going wonderfully!! *HUGS*
bah i passed up on this one shame on me, sounds like an intriguing read. I do like my flawed characters, they bring the book to life. The mistake after the mistake might frustrate me, but if it's done right then probably not. Like i said... curious now heh
ReplyDelete:) I think I really debated on this one, Lily. But I'm glad I took the chance on it. And Ms. Wade did a fine job of writing this flawed character in a way that she's not so off-putting. If you pick it up, I hope you love it!
DeleteI bought this already bc it sounds so different! I love a morally ambiguous mc, especially a woman. What a great review, Brandee!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I think you're gonna love it, Andrea!!
DeleteI think Elise was searching for something, too. A way out of her pain and an identity that's more respectable. It's really great writing when you care about a character so much even if you don't necessarily agree with the choices that character makes. I felt the same way at the end - wrung out. I needed something light and fluffy to read after finishing this one. Great review, Brandee! :)
ReplyDelete