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The Replacement #1
The Replacement
*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.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 24, 2014
45 people are currently reading
2052 people want to read
About the author
Rachael Wade
24 books905 followersDuring 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
February 15, 2014
"Beauty is power. And if you don’t have it, the world doesn’t want you. And who didn’t need to be wanted?"
Nothing much to say except a self proclaimed whore who knows what a slut she is and she doesn't feel anything about it.
"I’m Elise Duchamp, and I destroy relationships. I destroy people. Wives, girlfriends, good people. People like you. I fuck their husbands, their boyfriends, eat their food, sleep in their beds. Is that clear enough for you?"
She sleeps with everyone, mostly men who are married and
have girlfriends, she breaks up marriages...
Until some point all the lies catch up but make no mistake, she isn't sorry for what she does....
"We all have a past, Elise. Sometimes we don’t like where the road takes us; sometimes it leads us exactly where we need to be. I don’t regret my past, and I don’t give a damn about yours."
A waste of a time book if you ask me and I don't Believe she deserved any sort of happy ever after....
January 16, 2014
4.75-5 Stars
“That’s all you are, you slut —a replacement. Sloppy seconds and an in-between quickie for every guy in this town who’s looking to fill a hole.”
Rachael Wade has outdone herself.. I’m a huge fan of her and her stories, but this was Rachael at her finest. Pardon me if this review doesn’t do the justice this story deserves. I haven’t read anything like this in a long time. This wasn’t easy to read. It’s a story about a woman’s journey to find her true identity. Her journey isn’t pretty: It’s painful, destructive, but oh so worth it.
“You’re still a little piece of heaven, baby,” he pants against my mouth, “even if your halo’s broken.”
Elise isn’t very easy to like. You have to know right now, Elise is self-destructive…very self-destructive. Her self-worth is pretty non-existent. The only time she feels anything is during sex. The high she gets when she looks at herself through the eyes of her lover is unlike anything. It’s because of this that she’s earned herself quite a reputation. But does she care? Of course, but it doesn’t stop her. She thinks she’s not worth loving, but things start to change when she meets Ryder.
He is singlehandedly the most sexy, gentle man I have ever laid hands on, and he is completely oblivious to who and what I am.
Ryder is unlike any man Elise has met. He challenges her from the very beginning. He’s smart, sexy, extremely sweet and oh so patient. I cannot begin to explain the impact Ryder has on Elise. Of course she doesn’t make it easy on him. She fights her feelings; her inner demons always battling. There were even times where her self-destructive behavior had me reeling. But through it all, Ryder remained steadfast and never gave up fighting for her. She needed a man like him to prove that she is worth more than she ever thought possible.
“I love you, Ryder. But I think…” My hands drop from his shoulders and fall to my sides. “I need to be my something.”
“Be your something?” His brows pinch and he studies my face.
“Before I can be yours.”
Before having the honor of Beta reading this for Ms. Wade, she did warn me that I might have issues with our heroine. So to be fair, I had to dive into this story with a clear and open mind, otherwise I don’t think I would’ve liked Elise as much as I did. I actually applaud Elise for her I don’t give a shit what people think about me attitude. She’s the first heroine I came across that I actually felt sympathetic to her destructive behavior. And I don’t know about you, but it was refreshing to read about a promiscuous heroine rather than a typical man-whore Hero. Elise does have a lot of redeemable qualities about her and I never gave up hope. You have to understand, to read an actual story in which the heroine actually doesn’t piss me off is a rarity. How Ms. Wade pulled this off is a fucking miracle. I am in utter awe of this story and I’m so proud of this author for stepping out of her comfort zone to write such a unique and beautifully raw story. Bravo!
Oh. Before I go, I need to make one little tiny plea: I would LOVE a spinoff story about Christian. He’s one of Elise’s conquests, but holy crap was he one sexy character. Just sayin’ :)
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Blog: www.sweetspotbookblog.com
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Twitter:@thessamari
“That’s all you are, you slut —a replacement. Sloppy seconds and an in-between quickie for every guy in this town who’s looking to fill a hole.”
Rachael Wade has outdone herself.. I’m a huge fan of her and her stories, but this was Rachael at her finest. Pardon me if this review doesn’t do the justice this story deserves. I haven’t read anything like this in a long time. This wasn’t easy to read. It’s a story about a woman’s journey to find her true identity. Her journey isn’t pretty: It’s painful, destructive, but oh so worth it.
“You’re still a little piece of heaven, baby,” he pants against my mouth, “even if your halo’s broken.”
Elise isn’t very easy to like. You have to know right now, Elise is self-destructive…very self-destructive. Her self-worth is pretty non-existent. The only time she feels anything is during sex. The high she gets when she looks at herself through the eyes of her lover is unlike anything. It’s because of this that she’s earned herself quite a reputation. But does she care? Of course, but it doesn’t stop her. She thinks she’s not worth loving, but things start to change when she meets Ryder.
He is singlehandedly the most sexy, gentle man I have ever laid hands on, and he is completely oblivious to who and what I am.
Ryder is unlike any man Elise has met. He challenges her from the very beginning. He’s smart, sexy, extremely sweet and oh so patient. I cannot begin to explain the impact Ryder has on Elise. Of course she doesn’t make it easy on him. She fights her feelings; her inner demons always battling. There were even times where her self-destructive behavior had me reeling. But through it all, Ryder remained steadfast and never gave up fighting for her. She needed a man like him to prove that she is worth more than she ever thought possible.
“I love you, Ryder. But I think…” My hands drop from his shoulders and fall to my sides. “I need to be my something.”
“Be your something?” His brows pinch and he studies my face.
“Before I can be yours.”
Before having the honor of Beta reading this for Ms. Wade, she did warn me that I might have issues with our heroine. So to be fair, I had to dive into this story with a clear and open mind, otherwise I don’t think I would’ve liked Elise as much as I did. I actually applaud Elise for her I don’t give a shit what people think about me attitude. She’s the first heroine I came across that I actually felt sympathetic to her destructive behavior. And I don’t know about you, but it was refreshing to read about a promiscuous heroine rather than a typical man-whore Hero. Elise does have a lot of redeemable qualities about her and I never gave up hope. You have to understand, to read an actual story in which the heroine actually doesn’t piss me off is a rarity. How Ms. Wade pulled this off is a fucking miracle. I am in utter awe of this story and I’m so proud of this author for stepping out of her comfort zone to write such a unique and beautifully raw story. Bravo!
Oh. Before I go, I need to make one little tiny plea: I would LOVE a spinoff story about Christian. He’s one of Elise’s conquests, but holy crap was he one sexy character. Just sayin’ :)
-----
♥♥♥ FOLLOW ME ♥♥♥
Blog: www.sweetspotbookblog.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/SweetSpotBookBlog
Twitter:@thessamari
February 12, 2014
I'll explain.... This is me the majority of the book
To be honest, at about the 50% mark, I struggled with do I keep going or not? I don't care that Elise was a self proclaimed slut, whore, bad girl. That's not my issue. This girl had no good qualities! She will fuck your husband, fiancé, boyfriend, casual fling... basically anything with a dick. She will eat your food, sleep in your bed, try on your heels, kick it in your house with your man and not think twice. She blames it on her daddy issues. NO SWEETIE, YOUR JUST A
Her dad was a jack ass, don't get me wrong, but there wasn't enough info there to make me say "Ah, that explains it". She was selfish, inconsiderate, and a down right bitch. She screws men because she knows she can, and they want it, so why not give it to them. They use her, but its ok because she's using them and its a wash. Her friends man, ya she'll screw him too and then hang out and get a mani pedi.
Ryder was a guy who lived in a tent (??? ya I know right) 6 months out of the year, traveled like a "gypsy" and seemed to me to be semi homeless?? It was weird. But he liked Elise, even after knowing she's screwing anything, and everyone says what a slutbag she is. Of course she refuses to commit, DUH, no shocker there. It wasn't until 75% that she even gets shit for her devious ways. When she did I was like FUCK YA!! So of course, boy wants slut, even after the truths come out. The weird thing, when things come out, she makes a small apology and her friend sends her to Paris for 7 days, paid. WTF. After she comes back, she's a changed woman??? Wow, can I act a fool and get an all expenses paid trip to Europe? NO? Didn't think so.
There was NOTHING to like about this girl, NADA, ZERO, ZILCH.
I was waiting for my AHA moment and it never came. I disliked this particular whore and she didn't pay nearly enough. I mean, a wife kinda got her, a fiancé told her off, and friend told her off, but she didn't pay nearly enough. She writes a semi apology in the local paper, that was the kicker. Basically telling the other women, hey you deserved it, and oh ya, you also deserve better. It was so shitty. Now look, im not hating on her because of what she did, it was WHO she was.
My final thought about Elise???
To be honest, at about the 50% mark, I struggled with do I keep going or not? I don't care that Elise was a self proclaimed slut, whore, bad girl. That's not my issue. This girl had no good qualities! She will fuck your husband, fiancé, boyfriend, casual fling... basically anything with a dick. She will eat your food, sleep in your bed, try on your heels, kick it in your house with your man and not think twice. She blames it on her daddy issues. NO SWEETIE, YOUR JUST A
Her dad was a jack ass, don't get me wrong, but there wasn't enough info there to make me say "Ah, that explains it". She was selfish, inconsiderate, and a down right bitch. She screws men because she knows she can, and they want it, so why not give it to them. They use her, but its ok because she's using them and its a wash. Her friends man, ya she'll screw him too and then hang out and get a mani pedi.
Ryder was a guy who lived in a tent (??? ya I know right) 6 months out of the year, traveled like a "gypsy" and seemed to me to be semi homeless?? It was weird. But he liked Elise, even after knowing she's screwing anything, and everyone says what a slutbag she is. Of course she refuses to commit, DUH, no shocker there. It wasn't until 75% that she even gets shit for her devious ways. When she did I was like FUCK YA!! So of course, boy wants slut, even after the truths come out. The weird thing, when things come out, she makes a small apology and her friend sends her to Paris for 7 days, paid. WTF. After she comes back, she's a changed woman??? Wow, can I act a fool and get an all expenses paid trip to Europe? NO? Didn't think so.
There was NOTHING to like about this girl, NADA, ZERO, ZILCH.
I was waiting for my AHA moment and it never came. I disliked this particular whore and she didn't pay nearly enough. I mean, a wife kinda got her, a fiancé told her off, and friend told her off, but she didn't pay nearly enough. She writes a semi apology in the local paper, that was the kicker. Basically telling the other women, hey you deserved it, and oh ya, you also deserve better. It was so shitty. Now look, im not hating on her because of what she did, it was WHO she was.
My final thought about Elise???
December 28, 2013
There is some bad language in this review: I apologise in advance.
How many fucktards can one author possibly fit into one book? Well Rachael Wade's "The Replacement" would be hard to beat because it was jam packed full of them. Yup, around every corner, I found a complete twat that made my blood boil ... and just as one would exit... another would enter but hey, that was the nature of the story.
Elise Duchamp was known as the town whore but she never hid it. She was what she was and that was that.
However getting insights into her past really did help me understand just how broken she really was. Her childhood was a complete fuck up with a father who made both her and her mother feel utterly worthless. There was no love on his part and when her mother was on deaths door, he chose to up sticks and leave... never to be heard of again. Memories of her childhood and his cruel words taunted her and turned her into the person she had become. Deep down I could see a woman who just wanted to be needed, wanted to be loved unconditionally, who needed some kind of peace, some kind of validation, some kind of atonement:
Unfortunately, she didn't help her cause! As I progressed through the book, I very quickly realised that there was a certain type of man Elise went for and it didn't matter who got hurt in the process. No man of this sort was out of bounds... if Elise wanted him, she got him. To begin with, I kinda felt sorry for her but the more I read, the more angry and frustrated I got with her because she just wasn't helping herself. It didn't matter how many life lines were thrown her way, it was like she'd pressed a self destruct button and there was no switching the damn thing off. I could have screamed at her at times because I knew at some point, her actions would blow up in her face. It was car crash reading that didn't seem to be getting better any time soon. Just as something good seemed to be happening for her and maybe a corner was being turned, she would go right ahead and jeopardize it!!! Arrggghhh!!! Yes some of her actions were predictable but that didn't make the reading any easier.
So let's talk men. Tim... fucktard!!! Christian.... fucktard!!! Nate.... Fucktard!!! Need I go on. And when you read "The Replacement" it won't take you long to realise why. But Jay... he was just so lovely... he was like a father figure to Elise and he saw underneath that persona. He saw something no body else took the time to see and I loved him for that. He gave Elise a break when no one else would and continued to do so right up until the end of the book. This guy rocked!! He deserved daddio bear hugs!!!
And Ryder... my beautiful tree hugging Ryder who went against the grain and decided to travel instead of going to an Ivy league college... much to the disgust of his father. Whoop whoop the only other guy who I fell in love with in "The Replacement." He really was something else... so different to what I'm used to reading about. He wasn't rich, he didn't live in a mansion and his past (other than the college thing) wasn't really fucked up. He chose to do what he loved... he travelled and most of the time he lived in a tent!!! But he was persistent in his chase of Elise and so he won me over. He wasn't just after sex although with Elise throwing herself at him, it was hard to resist... but he resisted!!!! Yay.
I truly wanted things to work for them but if history was anything to go by, this would not be straight forward:
Right up until the very end of this book, things were coming out of the wood work that were sending my nerves into over drive and the twist at 88% left me dumb founded and so heart broken. Honestly, I could have cried with that lump in my throat growing by the second!!! Would Elise ever catch a break?
"The Replacement" was about forgiveness, atonement, acceptance and unconditional love. The journey to finding all of these things wasn't an easy one for Elise and it definitely wasn't an easy one to read but I really enjoyed it all the same. I would whole heartedly recommend it plus it's a standalone so you will get closure thank god!!! I rated "The Replacement" 4 Hearts
How many fucktards can one author possibly fit into one book? Well Rachael Wade's "The Replacement" would be hard to beat because it was jam packed full of them. Yup, around every corner, I found a complete twat that made my blood boil ... and just as one would exit... another would enter but hey, that was the nature of the story.
Elise Duchamp was known as the town whore but she never hid it. She was what she was and that was that.
I find self respect in owning up to what I am and not bulshitting anyone about it. Honesty is self respect in my book. Granted, I'm deceptive. But if you flat out asked me if I deceived you, I'd never bullshit you about it. That's gotta count for something.
However getting insights into her past really did help me understand just how broken she really was. Her childhood was a complete fuck up with a father who made both her and her mother feel utterly worthless. There was no love on his part and when her mother was on deaths door, he chose to up sticks and leave... never to be heard of again. Memories of her childhood and his cruel words taunted her and turned her into the person she had become. Deep down I could see a woman who just wanted to be needed, wanted to be loved unconditionally, who needed some kind of peace, some kind of validation, some kind of atonement:
I didn't always sleep around. That didn't start until college. My mom might not have needed me anymore, and dad might not have wanted me, but that was easily remedied. The world was full of needy people.
Unfortunately, she didn't help her cause! As I progressed through the book, I very quickly realised that there was a certain type of man Elise went for and it didn't matter who got hurt in the process. No man of this sort was out of bounds... if Elise wanted him, she got him. To begin with, I kinda felt sorry for her but the more I read, the more angry and frustrated I got with her because she just wasn't helping herself. It didn't matter how many life lines were thrown her way, it was like she'd pressed a self destruct button and there was no switching the damn thing off. I could have screamed at her at times because I knew at some point, her actions would blow up in her face. It was car crash reading that didn't seem to be getting better any time soon. Just as something good seemed to be happening for her and maybe a corner was being turned, she would go right ahead and jeopardize it!!! Arrggghhh!!! Yes some of her actions were predictable but that didn't make the reading any easier.
So let's talk men. Tim... fucktard!!! Christian.... fucktard!!! Nate.... Fucktard!!! Need I go on. And when you read "The Replacement" it won't take you long to realise why. But Jay... he was just so lovely... he was like a father figure to Elise and he saw underneath that persona. He saw something no body else took the time to see and I loved him for that. He gave Elise a break when no one else would and continued to do so right up until the end of the book. This guy rocked!! He deserved daddio bear hugs!!!
And Ryder... my beautiful tree hugging Ryder who went against the grain and decided to travel instead of going to an Ivy league college... much to the disgust of his father. Whoop whoop the only other guy who I fell in love with in "The Replacement." He really was something else... so different to what I'm used to reading about. He wasn't rich, he didn't live in a mansion and his past (other than the college thing) wasn't really fucked up. He chose to do what he loved... he travelled and most of the time he lived in a tent!!! But he was persistent in his chase of Elise and so he won me over. He wasn't just after sex although with Elise throwing herself at him, it was hard to resist... but he resisted!!!! Yay.
"I'll never just drive away, Elise Duchamp."
I truly wanted things to work for them but if history was anything to go by, this would not be straight forward:
"I'm a whore. I'm rotten to the fucking core, and if you shake this crazy fantasy you have - of me and you frolicking in the woods together, star gazing and listening to Fleetwood Mac- you'd fucking see that! You'd run in the other direction if you had any shred of sense!"
Right up until the very end of this book, things were coming out of the wood work that were sending my nerves into over drive and the twist at 88% left me dumb founded and so heart broken. Honestly, I could have cried with that lump in my throat growing by the second!!! Would Elise ever catch a break?
"The Replacement" was about forgiveness, atonement, acceptance and unconditional love. The journey to finding all of these things wasn't an easy one for Elise and it definitely wasn't an easy one to read but I really enjoyed it all the same. I would whole heartedly recommend it plus it's a standalone so you will get closure thank god!!! I rated "The Replacement" 4 Hearts
"I don't just want a quick lay with you, don't you get that? When I fuck you, I want all of you. Your mind, your heart- I want you."
January 27, 2014
Ay yi yi. It sucks that I have to post this review on the book's launch day, but The Replacement was kind of a mess for me. Also, I really think I have to take a break from reading new adult now. maybe forever.
At first I enjoyed the thought that maybe Elise was a sexually empowered woman who treated sex like a man would-unapologetically and having fun with it. But the story quickly revealed that Elise was using sex to punish herself for some issues she had dealing with her emotionally abusive father and the death of her mother. I could not understand why Elise had the attitude she did towards men and their significant others, and it really truly bothered me to see a woman treating herself as, and even embracing the fact that she is a whore.
I dunno. Maybe I'm a prude, after all I've been married for 6 years and have only been with my husband in my lifetime. But Elise purposely hurts herself and keeps herself locked out of real love because she feels that's what she deserves. I just had a hard time reconciling the abuse from her past and the way she lived her life as an adult...like I couldn't see how one led to the other.
Of course a man who wants to love her comes into her life...but almost every guy she sleeps with says they want to be with her. I don't like this in a book; I don't think one woman has the power to make every man she gives attention to fall in love with her. But anyway...said guy is ruggedly good looking and tatted up, by new adult standards. At least Elise wasn't the good girl next door. I liked the way Ryder treated Elise, being there for her and not letting her shut him out. He saw past her bullsh*t and just inserted himself into her life even though she fought him on it. She needed him, and they were good together.
I did finish this book even though I knew about halfway through that I wouldn't be able to give it a really positive review. Maybe I'm the odd one out, since other reviews have rated this book very highly. If you like new adult with a slight deviation from the norm, try The Replacement.
At first I enjoyed the thought that maybe Elise was a sexually empowered woman who treated sex like a man would-unapologetically and having fun with it. But the story quickly revealed that Elise was using sex to punish herself for some issues she had dealing with her emotionally abusive father and the death of her mother. I could not understand why Elise had the attitude she did towards men and their significant others, and it really truly bothered me to see a woman treating herself as, and even embracing the fact that she is a whore.
I dunno. Maybe I'm a prude, after all I've been married for 6 years and have only been with my husband in my lifetime. But Elise purposely hurts herself and keeps herself locked out of real love because she feels that's what she deserves. I just had a hard time reconciling the abuse from her past and the way she lived her life as an adult...like I couldn't see how one led to the other.
Of course a man who wants to love her comes into her life...but almost every guy she sleeps with says they want to be with her. I don't like this in a book; I don't think one woman has the power to make every man she gives attention to fall in love with her. But anyway...said guy is ruggedly good looking and tatted up, by new adult standards. At least Elise wasn't the good girl next door. I liked the way Ryder treated Elise, being there for her and not letting her shut him out. He saw past her bullsh*t and just inserted himself into her life even though she fought him on it. She needed him, and they were good together.
I did finish this book even though I knew about halfway through that I wouldn't be able to give it a really positive review. Maybe I'm the odd one out, since other reviews have rated this book very highly. If you like new adult with a slight deviation from the norm, try The Replacement.
February 4, 2014
The Replacement by Rachael Wade
Older New Adult with plenty of sex. Standalone (for now).
"I'm Elise Duchamp, and I destroy relationships. I destroy people. Wives, girlfriends, good people. People like you. I fuck their husbands, their boyfriends, eat their food, sleep in their beds."
The Replacement" target="_blank">The Replacement by Rachael Wade is everything I normally don't like in a book. I usually need to like my heroine to enjoy the book, and cheating and lying are two of my biggest turn-offs. Yet I loved The Replacement. I rooted for Elise. I needed to see her change. To get past who she thought she was, and become who she was meant to be. But first, she had to be her own something.
"I didn't always sleep around. That didn't start until college. My mom might not have needed me anymore, and dad might not have wanted me, but that was easily remedied. The world was full of needy people."
Elise got a certain high off of being so desperately needed by these guys. She knows she is fulfilling a need they have to cheat, and she doesn't think she is worth any more than that. She grew up learning that beauty is all you have, the only way to make people want you, to need you. Her disgusting father accused her of causing her mother's cancer, making her ugly, then he left, never to be seen again. Just drove away, leaving his daughter to care for her dying mother. Her best friend left too. She had nobody.
She finds solace in being needed for the high of cheating. She has self-respect, to a point. But her self-respect is that she doesn't hide what she is. She won't bullshit you. She knows exactly what she is doing, and isn't ashamed to admit it. Maybe for me, that was her saving grace. She wasn't a sneaky liar about it. She owned who she was and made no apologies.
“That’s all you are, you slut —a replacement. Sloppy seconds and an in-between quickie for every guy in this town who’s looking to fill a hole. All you're good for is that hot little body."
Elise doesn't care, she's used to that. It's what she grew up with. But she's a 'Franceophile', and her entire goal is to save enough to follow her dream and learn French and go to France. She does have dreams and goals hiding in the self-destructive exterior. She has successfully pushed all friendships and relationships away for years. So when sweet, bubbly Natalie begins work at the diner with her, Elise does her very best to push her away as well.
Then Ryder, the new building handyman, shows up to fix her garbage disposal. Gorgeous, sexy, and different from everyone else, Ryder sees something more in Elise. He knows her reputation and doesn't care.
"All I want to say to you is that you're too goddamn beautiful, too goddamn smart, and too goddamn good for a life like that, you hear me?"
Despite her doing everything to push him away, Ryder won't give up on her.
"You're a little piece of heaven, baby," he pants against my mouth, "even if your halo's broken."
She's intent on destroying the budding friendship Natalie had with her and Ryder couldn't help but get singed in the process. But still...
"I'll never just drive away, Elise Duchamp."
When she finally starts making progress, letting people in, and beginning two fledgling relationships, her past destruction haunts her.
"All of my hopes for being someone's something follow Natalie out, reminding me of my true identity. I am a substitute. A misfit. A liar, a their, and a whore. I exist to be used, not to belong."
But can the love of a good man change things? Can a life or death experience? What will change Elise Duchamp?
"Just because the world breaks you doesn't mean it has to win, hon. You remember that." -Jay
Likes:
•Despite my hating her "other woman" status, I rooted for Elise! It's crazy!
•I gobbled it up as quickly as I could, needing more.
•Christian was pretty swoony, I'd like a story about him...but then again, he is a cheater.
•Ryder. I loved Ryder. I love how he wouldn't give up on her.
•Natalie was so willing to overlook everything she heard about Elise and be her friend anyway.
•The tattoos.
•Lots of hot sex.
•Jay. I loved that guy.
•The underlying message in the book was very strong.
•One of my favorite book quotes ever "Be Your Something"
Dislikes:
•I felt there wasn't enough time for the feelings between Ryder and Elise to develop. I needed to see more of them together.
•I wish she went to see her friend Tee at some point.
Rating: 4.5-4.75 stars, 4.5 heat
This was a unique story with a truly beautiful underlying message. Elise grew up with conditions...the only thing anyone would ever love about her is her beauty, if she didn't have that, she'd have nothing. This story is about loving without conditions, but even more so, learning to love yourself. Elise's journey was a tough one, yet there was hope throughout the entire book. Rachael did an amazing job with this story. It is not often an author can take a character we should all hate and make her someone to root for, but Rachael did just that, and taught us all a lesson at the same time.
"You go be your something, baby. When you get back you can be mine."
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August 18, 2014
3 stars!
Elise Duchamp is Gig Harbors town whore. She is young and beautiful. Everyone knows who she is, and everyone talks about her. But nobody knows her. Nobody. She keeps everyone away, and doesn't have any friendships. She spends her days working as a waitress in town and hooking up with men. It doesn't matter what these men are. Married or single, rich or poor. All that does matter is that Elise get her high. That brief moment during sex when she is their whole world. It's like a drug, and she always goes back for more.
Lately it seems some of the regular men in her life are wanting more from her, and that is the last thing Elise wants. She needs to scrub them out of her life because she does not need the hassle. She is who she is. She may not exactly be proud of who she is, but she damn sure isn't going to deny it. Commitment is not her thing.
Then one day, a new maintenance man comes knocking at her door to make a repair. Ryder Jacobson is new to Gig Harbor. He is instantly attracted to the pretty blonde who answers the door. The two part ways, and Elise doesn't put too much thought into their interaction.
A few days go by, and Elise is guilted into going on a double date with the new waitress at work, Natalie. She is very friendly and sweet, and is persistent in getting to know Elise. Elise really wants no part of this, but resigns to go out with Natalie and her boyfriend Nate. Out of chance or luck, she runs into Ryder, and asks him to go with. They have a good time, but this whole friendship and relationship thing is out of her comfort zone.
Ryder is willing to fight for the attention and love of Elise. Although Elise has feelings for Ryder, she knows she will end up hurting him, just like everyone else. But she has a plan. A plan to hurt people in the hopes of being left alone. Soon her reputation is catching up with her, and she may find out that she could lose everything. Maybe even her life.
I gave this a solid 3 star. It's wasn't bad, but it wasn't that great either. It was okay. I see a lot of people gave this low ratings because of Elise. Was she a major slut? Yes. Did she do awful things mostly on purpose? Yes. Did it make me not like her? Honestly, no. I don't slut-shame. I think it's such a double standard to not like someone like Elise because of her promiscuity, yet 90%+ of the heroes we read about are complete man whores. It's not fair. For me, her lifestyle and even her personality didn't sway my judgement. I honestly thought it was refreshing to read about how she didn't care. A different perspective than what we're used to.
I will say, if this was a real story, Ryder was a saint. Seriously. I can't believe how EASILY he looked past some of the things that Elise had done. Wow! That guy definitely does not exist. ;)
The writing was done well. The story flowed and had a couple of intense moments, but it just didn't do anything for me. It was just an okay read. Would I recommend?
Elise Duchamp is Gig Harbors town whore. She is young and beautiful. Everyone knows who she is, and everyone talks about her. But nobody knows her. Nobody. She keeps everyone away, and doesn't have any friendships. She spends her days working as a waitress in town and hooking up with men. It doesn't matter what these men are. Married or single, rich or poor. All that does matter is that Elise get her high. That brief moment during sex when she is their whole world. It's like a drug, and she always goes back for more.
Lately it seems some of the regular men in her life are wanting more from her, and that is the last thing Elise wants. She needs to scrub them out of her life because she does not need the hassle. She is who she is. She may not exactly be proud of who she is, but she damn sure isn't going to deny it. Commitment is not her thing.
Then one day, a new maintenance man comes knocking at her door to make a repair. Ryder Jacobson is new to Gig Harbor. He is instantly attracted to the pretty blonde who answers the door. The two part ways, and Elise doesn't put too much thought into their interaction.
A few days go by, and Elise is guilted into going on a double date with the new waitress at work, Natalie. She is very friendly and sweet, and is persistent in getting to know Elise. Elise really wants no part of this, but resigns to go out with Natalie and her boyfriend Nate. Out of chance or luck, she runs into Ryder, and asks him to go with. They have a good time, but this whole friendship and relationship thing is out of her comfort zone.
Ryder is willing to fight for the attention and love of Elise. Although Elise has feelings for Ryder, she knows she will end up hurting him, just like everyone else. But she has a plan. A plan to hurt people in the hopes of being left alone. Soon her reputation is catching up with her, and she may find out that she could lose everything. Maybe even her life.
I gave this a solid 3 star. It's wasn't bad, but it wasn't that great either. It was okay. I see a lot of people gave this low ratings because of Elise. Was she a major slut? Yes. Did she do awful things mostly on purpose? Yes. Did it make me not like her? Honestly, no. I don't slut-shame. I think it's such a double standard to not like someone like Elise because of her promiscuity, yet 90%+ of the heroes we read about are complete man whores. It's not fair. For me, her lifestyle and even her personality didn't sway my judgement. I honestly thought it was refreshing to read about how she didn't care. A different perspective than what we're used to.
I will say, if this was a real story, Ryder was a saint. Seriously. I can't believe how EASILY he looked past some of the things that Elise had done. Wow! That guy definitely does not exist. ;)
The writing was done well. The story flowed and had a couple of intense moments, but it just didn't do anything for me. It was just an okay read. Would I recommend?
July 11, 2014
3.5 – 4 STARS
Genre: NA angst Romance.
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero: 8/10
Amount of humour: 1/10
Amount of jealousy: 2/10
Hotness: 7/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Extra book Details: HEA. Lead Female POV.
BLURB: Branded the town whore, she's 'Elise Duchamp, the notorious, antisocial home wrecker'
Elise has a small Harem of men... but the new guy in town makes her wish she hadn't.
'He wants me to be something. To be somebody's something. To be his something.' and he wants all of her.
Real life Boy Scout and Mr Fix-it Ryder walks into her life, turning it upside down and inside out. His touch is benevolent and scares the shit out of her.
“You're still a little piece of heaven baby, even if your halo's broken.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There wasn't any bad bits, no OTT cliché’s, no plot holes, didn't see any grammar or spelling mishaps. It was a little long for the storyline, it didn't make me emotional in any way (lols, tears or grins) and it wouldn't be a re-read.
I did like this book, enjoyed reading it. Ryder was a great good guy, interesting too. There's a quite a few sex scenes and one VERY hot one. The drama was good, but predictable. But I liked the role reversal (slut/good guy).
So it was a mixture of liked and kinda liked for me.
Genre: NA angst Romance.
Cover: 8/10
Writing: 8/10
Heroine: 7/10
Hero: 8/10
Amount of humour: 1/10
Amount of jealousy: 2/10
Hotness: 7/10
Romance: 8/10
Ending: 9/10
Extra book Details: HEA. Lead Female POV.
BLURB: Branded the town whore, she's 'Elise Duchamp, the notorious, antisocial home wrecker'
Elise has a small Harem of men... but the new guy in town makes her wish she hadn't.
'He wants me to be something. To be somebody's something. To be his something.' and he wants all of her.
Real life Boy Scout and Mr Fix-it Ryder walks into her life, turning it upside down and inside out. His touch is benevolent and scares the shit out of her.
“You're still a little piece of heaven baby, even if your halo's broken.”
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
There wasn't any bad bits, no OTT cliché’s, no plot holes, didn't see any grammar or spelling mishaps. It was a little long for the storyline, it didn't make me emotional in any way (lols, tears or grins) and it wouldn't be a re-read.
I did like this book, enjoyed reading it. Ryder was a great good guy, interesting too. There's a quite a few sex scenes and one VERY hot one. The drama was good, but predictable. But I liked the role reversal (slut/good guy).
So it was a mixture of liked and kinda liked for me.
July 19, 2023
How the fuck did this book, of all books, make me cry?
This was absolutely a case of right book, right reader, right time.
This was absolutely a case of right book, right reader, right time.
January 29, 2014
**Find this and other reviews @ The Demon Librarian**
A Bold and Powerful Story
When I first read the blurb for The Replacement, I was torn. Did I really want to read a book about a twenty-three-year old woman who embraces the title of town whore? No, I was quite sure I didn't. But the book was written by Rachael Wade, and as a fan of her work, I knew that if anyone could pull off a story about a character like Elise Duchamp, she could. And because I trusted the author, I was willing to gamble on the book.
Do I regret that decision? Nope, not even a little.
Elise is a hot, broken mess. She helps guys cheat on their wives and girlfriends, and she's not sorry. She is the girl we love to hate, the one most of us would back stab or turn our noses up at. Befriend her? Heavens no, we'd be more likely to chase her out of town. And Elise knows it. Heck, she embraces it! She doesn't pretend to be someone she isn't, or hide her flaws the way the rest of us do. She is who she is, and if you don't like it, you know where the door is. Don't let it hit you on the way out.
Here's the thing, though. For all her effed-upness, there is something so refreshingly honest about Elise, and as a reader, that appealed to me. She didn't pretty up what she was doing, didn't glorify it or at any point think or say that everyone should do what she's doing. And when the guys she was with got too pushy, aggressive, or clingy, she immediately cut things off. She wasn't trying to build relationships or steal someone's man for herself. It was sex, or nothing. Period.
I didn't agree with a lot of Elise's choices. Not in any way, shape or form. I had many disquieting and downright uncomfortable moments as I was reading, and I can't even count the number of times I gritted my teeth and said, "Why, Elise? WHY are you doing this?!" But I think that is what I was supposed to feel. I wasn't supposed to cheer Elise on when she behaved badly. The challenge was to see past her mistakes and into the heart of the woman who made them. Who was Elise, really? What made her this way, and could she be redeemed? If she had the chance to change, would she, or would she continue on her self-destructive path because it was all she knew?
The Replacement does have a romance in it, and it's a hot one, but for once, the romance isn't what kept me glued to the pages. Don't get me wrong, I adored Ryder. He was amazeballs and so good for Elise, in so many ways, I'm surprised she resisted him as long as she did. But this was Elise's book, through and through. She was the reason I kept reading. Her journey was a powerful one, and honestly, the most important relationship I thought she had in the book was with her boss, Jay, who was a much-needed friend and father figure.
This book isn't for everyone. Some readers won't make it past the blurb. Others will start it, only to quit after the first chapter or two. As for me, I'm so glad I gave The Replacement a chance. It shook me up, made me think, and at times even pissed me off, but it was also one of the boldest, bravest contemporary novels I've read in a long time. I loved it.
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
A Bold and Powerful Story
When I first read the blurb for The Replacement, I was torn. Did I really want to read a book about a twenty-three-year old woman who embraces the title of town whore? No, I was quite sure I didn't. But the book was written by Rachael Wade, and as a fan of her work, I knew that if anyone could pull off a story about a character like Elise Duchamp, she could. And because I trusted the author, I was willing to gamble on the book.
Do I regret that decision? Nope, not even a little.
Elise is a hot, broken mess. She helps guys cheat on their wives and girlfriends, and she's not sorry. She is the girl we love to hate, the one most of us would back stab or turn our noses up at. Befriend her? Heavens no, we'd be more likely to chase her out of town. And Elise knows it. Heck, she embraces it! She doesn't pretend to be someone she isn't, or hide her flaws the way the rest of us do. She is who she is, and if you don't like it, you know where the door is. Don't let it hit you on the way out.
Here's the thing, though. For all her effed-upness, there is something so refreshingly honest about Elise, and as a reader, that appealed to me. She didn't pretty up what she was doing, didn't glorify it or at any point think or say that everyone should do what she's doing. And when the guys she was with got too pushy, aggressive, or clingy, she immediately cut things off. She wasn't trying to build relationships or steal someone's man for herself. It was sex, or nothing. Period.
I didn't agree with a lot of Elise's choices. Not in any way, shape or form. I had many disquieting and downright uncomfortable moments as I was reading, and I can't even count the number of times I gritted my teeth and said, "Why, Elise? WHY are you doing this?!" But I think that is what I was supposed to feel. I wasn't supposed to cheer Elise on when she behaved badly. The challenge was to see past her mistakes and into the heart of the woman who made them. Who was Elise, really? What made her this way, and could she be redeemed? If she had the chance to change, would she, or would she continue on her self-destructive path because it was all she knew?
The Replacement does have a romance in it, and it's a hot one, but for once, the romance isn't what kept me glued to the pages. Don't get me wrong, I adored Ryder. He was amazeballs and so good for Elise, in so many ways, I'm surprised she resisted him as long as she did. But this was Elise's book, through and through. She was the reason I kept reading. Her journey was a powerful one, and honestly, the most important relationship I thought she had in the book was with her boss, Jay, who was a much-needed friend and father figure.
This book isn't for everyone. Some readers won't make it past the blurb. Others will start it, only to quit after the first chapter or two. As for me, I'm so glad I gave The Replacement a chance. It shook me up, made me think, and at times even pissed me off, but it was also one of the boldest, bravest contemporary novels I've read in a long time. I loved it.
4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2014
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for my stop on the blog tour found at Donnie Darko Girl.
I went into THE REPLACEMENT looking for an emotional read and was given so much more than I was expecting. When I read the synopsis, I knew I had to find out more about Elise, this girl known as the town whore. And why is she so desperate to keep this reputation? What is she afraid of? Something must have happened to her, I reasoned, but when I was given glimpses into her childhood, I couldn't even have imagined what I'd find there. Her mom? Worst advice giver ever. Her dad? Well, let's just say I had to keep reminding myself during his scenes that this book doesn't take place in the 50's. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
THE REPLACEMENT emotionally affected me much more than I had anticipated. I had to stop and put the book down because I couldn't see to read through my tears. It was as if a dam inside me had broken. I cried for the girl Elise could have become had she been given loving parents and cried for the girl Elise had become - someone who believes she poisons people and doesn't deserve to be loved by anyone. The scenes from her childhood are absolutely heartbreaking.
I could identify with Elise's need to self destruct, and I think that's what broke open the floodgates for me. For completely different reasons, I know what it's like to want to destroy myself while everyone else watches helplessly. One of the people watching Elise self destruct? Jay. He's a much needed father figure for Elise - he cares about her and shows it unlike her own father. Scenes with him made me cry, too!
Ryder was amazing. I couldn't believe how he refused to give up on Elise no matter how much she tried to push him away. He didn't care about her past - he wanted a future with her. On the other hand, she felt she was broken and undeserving of that kind of future. One of my favorite scenes between Elise and Ryder was when they first kissed - she thought to herself that must be what a real kiss was like, and all this time she had been duped into thinking she'd been kissed before. That was a magical moment I was happy she experienced. Every girl needs a Ryder!
After finishing the book, I was emotionally exhausted, but it was worth it. Reading THE REPLACEMENT was cathartic for me - I've been needing a good cry, and this definitely brought it out of me. Elise's story will captivate you and bring out a wide range of emotions. You'll become so immersed in her story you won't even notice anything going on around you. And grab a box of tissues - you're gonna need them!
I went into THE REPLACEMENT looking for an emotional read and was given so much more than I was expecting. When I read the synopsis, I knew I had to find out more about Elise, this girl known as the town whore. And why is she so desperate to keep this reputation? What is she afraid of? Something must have happened to her, I reasoned, but when I was given glimpses into her childhood, I couldn't even have imagined what I'd find there. Her mom? Worst advice giver ever. Her dad? Well, let's just say I had to keep reminding myself during his scenes that this book doesn't take place in the 50's. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
THE REPLACEMENT emotionally affected me much more than I had anticipated. I had to stop and put the book down because I couldn't see to read through my tears. It was as if a dam inside me had broken. I cried for the girl Elise could have become had she been given loving parents and cried for the girl Elise had become - someone who believes she poisons people and doesn't deserve to be loved by anyone. The scenes from her childhood are absolutely heartbreaking.
I could identify with Elise's need to self destruct, and I think that's what broke open the floodgates for me. For completely different reasons, I know what it's like to want to destroy myself while everyone else watches helplessly. One of the people watching Elise self destruct? Jay. He's a much needed father figure for Elise - he cares about her and shows it unlike her own father. Scenes with him made me cry, too!
Ryder was amazing. I couldn't believe how he refused to give up on Elise no matter how much she tried to push him away. He didn't care about her past - he wanted a future with her. On the other hand, she felt she was broken and undeserving of that kind of future. One of my favorite scenes between Elise and Ryder was when they first kissed - she thought to herself that must be what a real kiss was like, and all this time she had been duped into thinking she'd been kissed before. That was a magical moment I was happy she experienced. Every girl needs a Ryder!
After finishing the book, I was emotionally exhausted, but it was worth it. Reading THE REPLACEMENT was cathartic for me - I've been needing a good cry, and this definitely brought it out of me. Elise's story will captivate you and bring out a wide range of emotions. You'll become so immersed in her story you won't even notice anything going on around you. And grab a box of tissues - you're gonna need them!
July 27, 2015
DNF at about 62%...which I am surprised I even got that far. I should have stopped 15 pages in... Sometimes I go on a random free book downloading spree on Amazon...and this one somehow made the cut. It was horrible. The main character is, for lack of better words, a bitch. Completely not likable in any way. She was a hypocrite and a jerk and I hated her. At no point did I feel sorry for her. And the love interest? Clearly he is shallow as hell because I can't see how this dumb broad was worth any of his time. Then again, he was an idiot too.
Also this gem of a line spoken by our lovely main character
"What kind of sick person hurts people for their own amusement?"
This is AFTER she sleeps with her friend's boyfriend... Just because she can.Then said friend gives her a Christmas present all of an hour later and she accepts it...She went out of her way to seduce her "friend's" boyfriend just to prove that her "friend" deserved better? Hoe please....
And I am not a fan of slut shaming but this girl was a whore. A completely unredeemable asshole.
Also this gem of a line spoken by our lovely main character
"What kind of sick person hurts people for their own amusement?"
This is AFTER she sleeps with her friend's boyfriend... Just because she can.Then said friend gives her a Christmas present all of an hour later and she accepts it...She went out of her way to seduce her "friend's" boyfriend just to prove that her "friend" deserved better? Hoe please....
And I am not a fan of slut shaming but this girl was a whore. A completely unredeemable asshole.
January 22, 2016
I received this audiobook free from the narrator in exchange for my honest review
STORY:
The female main character Elise is a woman who likes to have sex. Preferably, she enjoys having sex with unavailable men, men who are engaged, married or for whatever reason want her body and nothing more. Elise blames her childhood or, more specifically, her father for causing her to become the emotionally frigid, sex/crazed woman she has become. During the 1st 1/3rd of the book we read about Elise's sexual escapades and debauchery; entertaining yet very predictable. By the time is read the 1st third of the book, I knew where the rest of the story would go. My guess is that like me, most romance readers will guess early on that well, you know how the rest the story goes.....
There were some holes in the storyline. For example, Elise flat out will not or maybe cannot (we aren't told which is true) even attempt to be part of a meaningful, committed, intimate relationship with a man. I understand that people can and do develop intimacy issues based on how they were raised or if they were abused yet in this story, there's no evidence of abuse significant enough to cause Elise's behavior. It just didn't correlate.
PS: if you find yourself enjoying this book and would like to hear the whole thing, don't stop reading or listening after it says, "the end". There is an epilogue. Ms. Wade, you should probably not type the words, "the end" until it really is the end!
PERFORMANCE:
During 98% of this recording Melissa Barr gives a 5-star performance! 98% of the time Ms. Barr's words flowed seamlessly, her voices were realistic and believable (even while portraying male characters). Her pitch was perfect, pauses well-timed and she exuded just the right amount of emotion. However, there is that other 2%… About 1/4th into the book, I began noticing that there were times when her speech sounded, "jerky", (jerky being the only word I can think of to describe how the tone/pitch would change very abruptly). For example, the word, "written"' was pronounced, "writ-ten". After listening for a while, I realized that this primarily happens when Ms. Barr says the word, "to". Either she pronounces the word, "to" in an odd way or whatever word she verbalizes AFTER saying the word, "to" is stated in a tone and pitch that differs from how she spoke prior to saying the word, "to". Because the majority of her performance was so outstanding, these curt, abrupt changes were a bit distracting. On occasion I was able to hear what sounded like an East Coast accent. Perhaps her attempts at stifling this accent were responsible for this issue? All in all, Ms. Barr is a talented narrator and I would listen to more of her books in the future. Actually, I'd listen to her again as long as she doesn't use the voice she created for Tracy the tattoo artist....Tracey didn't sound like a badass tat artist but sounded like a valley girl cheerleader!
STORY:
The female main character Elise is a woman who likes to have sex. Preferably, she enjoys having sex with unavailable men, men who are engaged, married or for whatever reason want her body and nothing more. Elise blames her childhood or, more specifically, her father for causing her to become the emotionally frigid, sex/crazed woman she has become. During the 1st 1/3rd of the book we read about Elise's sexual escapades and debauchery; entertaining yet very predictable. By the time is read the 1st third of the book, I knew where the rest of the story would go. My guess is that like me, most romance readers will guess early on that well, you know how the rest the story goes.....
There were some holes in the storyline. For example, Elise flat out will not or maybe cannot (we aren't told which is true) even attempt to be part of a meaningful, committed, intimate relationship with a man. I understand that people can and do develop intimacy issues based on how they were raised or if they were abused yet in this story, there's no evidence of abuse significant enough to cause Elise's behavior. It just didn't correlate.
PS: if you find yourself enjoying this book and would like to hear the whole thing, don't stop reading or listening after it says, "the end". There is an epilogue. Ms. Wade, you should probably not type the words, "the end" until it really is the end!
PERFORMANCE:
During 98% of this recording Melissa Barr gives a 5-star performance! 98% of the time Ms. Barr's words flowed seamlessly, her voices were realistic and believable (even while portraying male characters). Her pitch was perfect, pauses well-timed and she exuded just the right amount of emotion. However, there is that other 2%… About 1/4th into the book, I began noticing that there were times when her speech sounded, "jerky", (jerky being the only word I can think of to describe how the tone/pitch would change very abruptly). For example, the word, "written"' was pronounced, "writ-ten". After listening for a while, I realized that this primarily happens when Ms. Barr says the word, "to". Either she pronounces the word, "to" in an odd way or whatever word she verbalizes AFTER saying the word, "to" is stated in a tone and pitch that differs from how she spoke prior to saying the word, "to". Because the majority of her performance was so outstanding, these curt, abrupt changes were a bit distracting. On occasion I was able to hear what sounded like an East Coast accent. Perhaps her attempts at stifling this accent were responsible for this issue? All in all, Ms. Barr is a talented narrator and I would listen to more of her books in the future. Actually, I'd listen to her again as long as she doesn't use the voice she created for Tracy the tattoo artist....Tracey didn't sound like a badass tat artist but sounded like a valley girl cheerleader!
February 5, 2014
**4.5 Stars**
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!
**I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.**
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!
**I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review.**
December 21, 2013
A lot to take in with this book, I really thought I'd hate Elise but honestly I loved her. I loved how she was always honest in what she was doing and sort of knew how she was, "you know what I'm concerned about, Tim? The fact that men like you seem to think all women like me don't give a damn about anything. Stop acting like just because I give it to someone else besides you that I'm a worthless sl** with no life ambition." So at first I was on Team Christian just because I liked how he carried himself, and how he talked, "you know I love that smart mouth of yours. If you were here right now, I'd teach it a lesson. Don't deny me, Elise. You know I won't take no for an answer." I mean he seemed to care, "Elise, relax. I'm not asking you to have my children. Surely, you can eat a meal with me after I eff you senseless, yes?" He seemed genuine, "you know I'm a rich man, Elise. I would take care of you, take care of everything. I'd pay for you to go back to college. Anything you want, it's yours." He's sort of demanding, but doesn't really care what she had to do, "I want a relationship. With you. No one else. And I want you all to myself, yes. I won't apologize for it. I don't care about the other men you've been seeing. Stop seeing them. Move in with me." But then I find out he's married, and cheats so it was no more Team Christian for me by Team Ryder, who seems to look past Elise's mistakes, "why does that surprise you?" he asks as he resumes the lead. "You're a beautiful woman, Elise. Inside and out, no makeup or hair products necessary." Ryder the boy has some embarrassment issues to work out, "I lean in to the kiss and bite back a grin as he hurries out the door. He's clumsily wrapping his belt back around him and cursing under his breath as he tries to secure it, and I can't take my eyes off his backside as he strolls down the hall." And he doesn't like to share, "I wanted to give you your Christmas present and ask you to be mine- not just someone I screw, Elise. Mine. My girl." I hope Natalie gets a book her own she was another character I fell in love with.
March 10, 2014
4.5 stars ~
I have a declaration to make. I love sluts. I am a fan of whores. I adore sexually free women. I am not some bitty who will put full blame on a single woman who has sex with an attached man. I'll blame the man primarily, the woman gets secondary blame.
That being said, I do recognize that if a woman is constantly seeking out ONLY attached men; she has some issues that should be dealt with.
Elise has issues. What I loved though, is that she owned that fact. She knows what she is and she does not hide it, she doesn't make excuses for it.
She has nothing and pretty much no one. She doesn't know what love truly is, she was never taught it, never saw what it could be - should be. You could blame her behavior on issues instilled on her from her horrible father. A Psychologist probably would blame them on that, but Elise really doesn't...not consciously anyway.
It's established that I don't have issues with Elise and her promiscuous ways. Though that is not entirely true. There is one act that I truly disliked her for. However, Wade played it right. She made that one act a heavy one. It weighed on Elise, there were consequences, there was guilt and she grew from it. Eventually.
The Replacement is an edgy, gritty, sad and beautiful story of a damaged heart finding a way to mend itself. There is a knight in not so shiny armor but he doesn't just ride in and save the damsel. She finds a way to save herself after falling to her rock bottom. And, isn't that just so true to life?
I have a declaration to make. I love sluts. I am a fan of whores. I adore sexually free women. I am not some bitty who will put full blame on a single woman who has sex with an attached man. I'll blame the man primarily, the woman gets secondary blame.
That being said, I do recognize that if a woman is constantly seeking out ONLY attached men; she has some issues that should be dealt with.
Elise has issues. What I loved though, is that she owned that fact. She knows what she is and she does not hide it, she doesn't make excuses for it.
She has nothing and pretty much no one. She doesn't know what love truly is, she was never taught it, never saw what it could be - should be. You could blame her behavior on issues instilled on her from her horrible father. A Psychologist probably would blame them on that, but Elise really doesn't...not consciously anyway.
It's established that I don't have issues with Elise and her promiscuous ways. Though that is not entirely true. There is one act that I truly disliked her for. However, Wade played it right. She made that one act a heavy one. It weighed on Elise, there were consequences, there was guilt and she grew from it. Eventually.
The Replacement is an edgy, gritty, sad and beautiful story of a damaged heart finding a way to mend itself. There is a knight in not so shiny armor but he doesn't just ride in and save the damsel. She finds a way to save herself after falling to her rock bottom. And, isn't that just so true to life?
March 14, 2018
The Replacement annoyed me.
Not the heroine having numerous sexual partners. Would the whole town hate a man in the same situation? You don't hear men being called homewreckers, do you?
Not the heroine's self loathing. It's sad to see, but understandable. It can be so damaging, the control that our parents and our upbringing have over us, even when we're long since grown. Anyone who tells you they have no concept of this is lying or extremely lucky.
Not even the cheating, which I usually HATE IRL and on the page. It's painfully clear that this is just an expression of self loathing and self punishment. I find the reviews calling her a 'nasty whore' etc etc deeply disheartening.
No, what bothers me is that the heroine has all these deep seated issues which are pretty much magically solved by a guy. Sure, interpersonal relationships can be a great support network, but this love solves everything, even mental illness shit needs to be shut down. She needs a therapist, not a fuck.
Not the heroine having numerous sexual partners. Would the whole town hate a man in the same situation? You don't hear men being called homewreckers, do you?
Not the heroine's self loathing. It's sad to see, but understandable. It can be so damaging, the control that our parents and our upbringing have over us, even when we're long since grown. Anyone who tells you they have no concept of this is lying or extremely lucky.
Not even the cheating, which I usually HATE IRL and on the page. It's painfully clear that this is just an expression of self loathing and self punishment. I find the reviews calling her a 'nasty whore' etc etc deeply disheartening.
No, what bothers me is that the heroine has all these deep seated issues which are pretty much magically solved by a guy. Sure, interpersonal relationships can be a great support network, but this love solves everything, even mental illness shit needs to be shut down. She needs a therapist, not a fuck.
November 23, 2019
I've stopped reading this book at about 50-60% in 2015 (I just drifted away from it), and since then I've held on to it hoping to finish it some day. It didn't work and I couldn't muster up genuine desire to continue with it.
A lot of it is to do with the fact that the main character of the story is a sociopath, who admits to getting a kick out of hurting people and messing with their emotions by sleeping with their boyfriend/husbands'. Her deep self loathing was disturbing. I wanted to know where the author was going to take this, but somewhere in the middle of the story, I just didn't care anymore. It's just not what I'm interested in.
It's a struggle for me to dnf a book, I tell myself I might finish it someday, but I'm learning to dnf a book more and more so that I don't end up in a book slump. Also, there are a lot of potentially amazing books on my tbr list to discover, there's no reason to get stuck on one book.
A lot of it is to do with the fact that the main character of the story is a sociopath, who admits to getting a kick out of hurting people and messing with their emotions by sleeping with their boyfriend/husbands'. Her deep self loathing was disturbing. I wanted to know where the author was going to take this, but somewhere in the middle of the story, I just didn't care anymore. It's just not what I'm interested in.
It's a struggle for me to dnf a book, I tell myself I might finish it someday, but I'm learning to dnf a book more and more so that I don't end up in a book slump. Also, there are a lot of potentially amazing books on my tbr list to discover, there's no reason to get stuck on one book.
January 27, 2014
Alyn‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
Every so often I come across a book that hits home in more ways than one. The type of book that reminds you to stop and think once and a while, or the type that reminds you so much of yourself even though you are not really like the character. Contradictory? Yes. However it is the only way I can explain how much this story touched my heart and left it raw. The Replacement is about a young woman named Elise Duchamp. She resides in Washington State (a place I dream to one day be) and spends her days working at a local diner while saving money to attend a French school and one day realize her dream of visiting France. While it may seem simple, Elise has a much darker story to tell. She grew up in a family that lived to put on a show for high society. Having a mother that relished in her beauty, and a father that reminded her every day of how it was diminishing, Elise learned a hard lesson about self-value. While abuse comes in many forms, the familiar phrase “sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me” reminds me of some of the worst abuse I have encountered and so has Elise. That childish phrase seems so false to me, and this raw and emotional story only proves my point more. While our author does not ever mention Elise’s father physically abusing her mother or Elise, she does relay the fact that the emotional abuse had such an impact on Elise after watching her mother waste away to a sliver of who she once was. Seeing this, and dealing with her father’s verbal assaults and bone chilling looks led Elise on a very different path.
Elise saw no value in herself and made a point to head down a self-destructive path whenever happiness hinted it was headed her way. She became the “other woman” and made a reputation as such, only sleeping with married men, or men that were committed so that she could be reminded that they weren’t to be trusted. It isn’t until she meets a handyman named Ryder that her life takes a turn down a different path and forces Elise to look at who she really is.
I was on an emotional roller coaster with this story but it is well worth the ride. At first I hated Elise because she was sleeping with her boss’s married brother, a total slime ball that she admitted to not liking. I could not understand why on earth she would sleep with someone she detested. She then turned right around and moved on to another man who was also married. As I read I felt as if I was watching a train wreck in slow motion as Elise destroyed one relationship after another with her seductive encounters and I couldn’t understand , but I couldn’t stop reading. As I read, I learned more and more how she watched her mother’s emotional abuse destroy her.
When Elise meets Ryder, she is instantly attracted to him. The sexy, tattooed, boy next door was enthralled by Elise despite her reputation. A man in love with beautifully broken things, Ryder could see that Elise was broken too. Throughout the story, he works to show Elise that she is something, and she is valuable to him. Elise makes every effort to push him away. It isn’t until Elise’s actions place her face to face with the barrel of a gun, that she is forced to deal with the choices she has made in her life. Tough love and a tender heart prove to be what she needs to find out the she is more than a Replacement for the women men cheat on, more than disposable, “she is exceptional, she is something, she is loved”.
This is where this book hits home. It isn’t necessarily about dealing with another woman or a cheating husband. It is about not settling for less than what we deserve in life. Elise settled for much of her life because of the emotional abuse she dealt with. Too often we stay in relationships that damage us because we are too weak to speak up or face the facts that the relationship isn’t healthy. I cannot count how often I have heard someone say they don’t feel beautiful, or don’t feel loved, because a significant other beats them with insults, ignores their sadness, or makes them feel less than loved. This is where the story ripped my heart open and left it raw. Like many, I struggle at times to see the beauty in my reflection and question my self worth. I hear echoes of the words of others that created those insecurities throughout the years and like Elise, had to fight to find the strength to see the truth. “Life’s too short, and love’s too good to pass up for some sham deal. You’re too goddamn smart, and too goddamn good for a life like that”. Be beautiful, be happy, be yourself. Because if you can’t love yourself, it is awfully difficult to let someone else love you too.
Review copy provided for an honest review
5 STARS
Every so often I come across a book that hits home in more ways than one. The type of book that reminds you to stop and think once and a while, or the type that reminds you so much of yourself even though you are not really like the character. Contradictory? Yes. However it is the only way I can explain how much this story touched my heart and left it raw. The Replacement is about a young woman named Elise Duchamp. She resides in Washington State (a place I dream to one day be) and spends her days working at a local diner while saving money to attend a French school and one day realize her dream of visiting France. While it may seem simple, Elise has a much darker story to tell. She grew up in a family that lived to put on a show for high society. Having a mother that relished in her beauty, and a father that reminded her every day of how it was diminishing, Elise learned a hard lesson about self-value. While abuse comes in many forms, the familiar phrase “sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me” reminds me of some of the worst abuse I have encountered and so has Elise. That childish phrase seems so false to me, and this raw and emotional story only proves my point more. While our author does not ever mention Elise’s father physically abusing her mother or Elise, she does relay the fact that the emotional abuse had such an impact on Elise after watching her mother waste away to a sliver of who she once was. Seeing this, and dealing with her father’s verbal assaults and bone chilling looks led Elise on a very different path.
Elise saw no value in herself and made a point to head down a self-destructive path whenever happiness hinted it was headed her way. She became the “other woman” and made a reputation as such, only sleeping with married men, or men that were committed so that she could be reminded that they weren’t to be trusted. It isn’t until she meets a handyman named Ryder that her life takes a turn down a different path and forces Elise to look at who she really is.
I was on an emotional roller coaster with this story but it is well worth the ride. At first I hated Elise because she was sleeping with her boss’s married brother, a total slime ball that she admitted to not liking. I could not understand why on earth she would sleep with someone she detested. She then turned right around and moved on to another man who was also married. As I read I felt as if I was watching a train wreck in slow motion as Elise destroyed one relationship after another with her seductive encounters and I couldn’t understand , but I couldn’t stop reading. As I read, I learned more and more how she watched her mother’s emotional abuse destroy her.
When Elise meets Ryder, she is instantly attracted to him. The sexy, tattooed, boy next door was enthralled by Elise despite her reputation. A man in love with beautifully broken things, Ryder could see that Elise was broken too. Throughout the story, he works to show Elise that she is something, and she is valuable to him. Elise makes every effort to push him away. It isn’t until Elise’s actions place her face to face with the barrel of a gun, that she is forced to deal with the choices she has made in her life. Tough love and a tender heart prove to be what she needs to find out the she is more than a Replacement for the women men cheat on, more than disposable, “she is exceptional, she is something, she is loved”.
This is where this book hits home. It isn’t necessarily about dealing with another woman or a cheating husband. It is about not settling for less than what we deserve in life. Elise settled for much of her life because of the emotional abuse she dealt with. Too often we stay in relationships that damage us because we are too weak to speak up or face the facts that the relationship isn’t healthy. I cannot count how often I have heard someone say they don’t feel beautiful, or don’t feel loved, because a significant other beats them with insults, ignores their sadness, or makes them feel less than loved. This is where the story ripped my heart open and left it raw. Like many, I struggle at times to see the beauty in my reflection and question my self worth. I hear echoes of the words of others that created those insecurities throughout the years and like Elise, had to fight to find the strength to see the truth. “Life’s too short, and love’s too good to pass up for some sham deal. You’re too goddamn smart, and too goddamn good for a life like that”. Be beautiful, be happy, be yourself. Because if you can’t love yourself, it is awfully difficult to let someone else love you too.
February 3, 2014
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
~~4 Stars~~
Wow I really don't know how to explain my feelings about this book. I really enjoyed this book, but there were some things that I wasn't comfortable with, which held me back from giving it 5 stars. I can't explain what I mean because it would ruin the whole book. This is the first book by Rachael Wade that I have read and as I said before I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book was like no other that I have read before. I loved that the storyline was unique. I thought the pace of the story was really good, nothing dragged and nothing was rushed, so you didn't feel like you missed anything. I thought the writing was flawless. She does an excellent job sucking you into this story right from the start and not letting go until the last page. This story truly had me guessing throughout the whole thing. Some things were predictable, but Rachael was still able to add enough shockers in this story to keep the reader on their toes.
As for the characters in this story....we are introduced to a lot of them...mostly male ;). I will say out of those men I really only liked Jay (the father figure), Ryder, and even Brad was ok. As for Tim, Christian, and Nate....they were all severe douchebags. You'll understand why pretty much from the start. As for Elise....I don't know what I really feel about her. On one hand I loved her character but then on the other hand I also didn't agree with some of her behavior. One thing I loved about her character is she didn't apologize or hide who or what she was. She knew exactly what she was doing and wasn't hiding behind a fake persona. But it was also this behavior that had me not liking her much at certain times in the story. She truly was a broken soul, who had such a low self portrait of herself. This is all due to how she was raised by her horrible father. We learn quite a bit about her home life as a child and I can see why she was messed up in the head. That's why I loved Ryder so much...he was willing to help Elise see what an amazing person she was and that she didn't deserve the life she was leading. I thought their relationship grew at a great pace.
I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a story about a girl learning how to love herself and working towards redemption and a better self worth but also has a great love story hidden in the mix. Like I said earlier.... This book will definitely keep you thinking and on your toes.
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
~~4 Stars~~
Wow I really don't know how to explain my feelings about this book. I really enjoyed this book, but there were some things that I wasn't comfortable with, which held me back from giving it 5 stars. I can't explain what I mean because it would ruin the whole book. This is the first book by Rachael Wade that I have read and as I said before I thoroughly enjoyed it. This book was like no other that I have read before. I loved that the storyline was unique. I thought the pace of the story was really good, nothing dragged and nothing was rushed, so you didn't feel like you missed anything. I thought the writing was flawless. She does an excellent job sucking you into this story right from the start and not letting go until the last page. This story truly had me guessing throughout the whole thing. Some things were predictable, but Rachael was still able to add enough shockers in this story to keep the reader on their toes.
As for the characters in this story....we are introduced to a lot of them...mostly male ;). I will say out of those men I really only liked Jay (the father figure), Ryder, and even Brad was ok. As for Tim, Christian, and Nate....they were all severe douchebags. You'll understand why pretty much from the start. As for Elise....I don't know what I really feel about her. On one hand I loved her character but then on the other hand I also didn't agree with some of her behavior. One thing I loved about her character is she didn't apologize or hide who or what she was. She knew exactly what she was doing and wasn't hiding behind a fake persona. But it was also this behavior that had me not liking her much at certain times in the story. She truly was a broken soul, who had such a low self portrait of herself. This is all due to how she was raised by her horrible father. We learn quite a bit about her home life as a child and I can see why she was messed up in the head. That's why I loved Ryder so much...he was willing to help Elise see what an amazing person she was and that she didn't deserve the life she was leading. I thought their relationship grew at a great pace.
I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a story about a girl learning how to love herself and working towards redemption and a better self worth but also has a great love story hidden in the mix. Like I said earlier.... This book will definitely keep you thinking and on your toes.
For more reviews go to www.bookbitchesblog.com
January 1, 2014
Bound to be a 2014 Favorite! I absolutely adore this book. Have you ever read a book and just clicked with the characters, you feel what they feel, the good with the bad? This one did it for me. The plot is so new and different from anything I have read.
"We all do what we do and we live with our choices. Some people do what they do because they don't know any other way. They're tainted. Bruised."
Rachael truly created a unique world in Gig Harbor where Elise is working and going through life's motions as if she were not broken; damaged by the years of mental abuse from her father. Escaping through men, unavailable men, was her only high to numb the pain and rejection, to soothe the awful ache she felt from being 'rotten' to the core.
"That's all you are, you slut-a replacement. Sloppy seconds and an in-between quickie for every guy in this town who's looking to fill a hole. All you're good for is that hot little body."
Elise's character was refreshing, straight to the point and a "you-get-what-you-see" type of girl. She knew what she was, what she wanted and really didn't care what people thought about her, until Ryder. Ryder changed the game, changed her. He made her feel things and want things she felt she had no right to have. This isn't your typical story where the bad boy rides in on his motorcycle to sweep the girl off her feet and they live HEA. It is sooooo much better than that! Ryder is kind, gentle and all kinds of sexy. Sweet baby Jesus - I think the ice cream scene is permanently engrained in my memory ;)
Soon Elise is overcome with too many emotions and her mind overcomes her heart, leaving behind a wake of damage that she can only repair if she can finally accept and let love in.
'The envelope he's holding crumples between us, our mouths inches apart.
"I thought you wanted me."
"Don't play that game with me, Elise. Play it with all those other assholes chasing you around, but not with me. You know damn well I want you. You know you make it excruciating for me. You make it difficult for all men like me, don't you? Men who actually give a shit about you."
This book made my stomach ache and the tears roll. AMAZING AND WORTHY OF 5+ STARS!
"We all do what we do and we live with our choices. Some people do what they do because they don't know any other way. They're tainted. Bruised."
Rachael truly created a unique world in Gig Harbor where Elise is working and going through life's motions as if she were not broken; damaged by the years of mental abuse from her father. Escaping through men, unavailable men, was her only high to numb the pain and rejection, to soothe the awful ache she felt from being 'rotten' to the core.
"That's all you are, you slut-a replacement. Sloppy seconds and an in-between quickie for every guy in this town who's looking to fill a hole. All you're good for is that hot little body."
Elise's character was refreshing, straight to the point and a "you-get-what-you-see" type of girl. She knew what she was, what she wanted and really didn't care what people thought about her, until Ryder. Ryder changed the game, changed her. He made her feel things and want things she felt she had no right to have. This isn't your typical story where the bad boy rides in on his motorcycle to sweep the girl off her feet and they live HEA. It is sooooo much better than that! Ryder is kind, gentle and all kinds of sexy. Sweet baby Jesus - I think the ice cream scene is permanently engrained in my memory ;)
Soon Elise is overcome with too many emotions and her mind overcomes her heart, leaving behind a wake of damage that she can only repair if she can finally accept and let love in.
'The envelope he's holding crumples between us, our mouths inches apart.
"I thought you wanted me."
"Don't play that game with me, Elise. Play it with all those other assholes chasing you around, but not with me. You know damn well I want you. You know you make it excruciating for me. You make it difficult for all men like me, don't you? Men who actually give a shit about you."
This book made my stomach ache and the tears roll. AMAZING AND WORTHY OF 5+ STARS!
February 8, 2014
You should never judge someone because of what they do because, you never know what they went through. For Elise Duchamp growing up with an alcoholic father wasn't easy, he constantly berated Elise and her mother. I felt bad for her mom, always trying to look like the perfect woman for an asshole who didn't deserve her or her beautiful daughter. Elise grows up and finds validation in sleeping with every man she finds, whether he be single or straight. It consoles her in a way she jumps from bed to bed. Between Christian,Tim, Brad and whoever else she finds, she has her hands full. While I am writing this review at 5 am I look at my husband and think... without his strength would I be who I am? Now I am not saying that I can't be strong without a man... but this man has been through hell and back with me. That's what Ryder is to Elise in this story. He pushes her, he challenges her, makes her think. He doesn't give up on her no matter what she does. I am in love with this story and I recommend it to anyone and everyone! There are some hot, hot, hot, smoking sex scenes as well as scenes to make you cry. I can relate to Elise in some ways. She's a fighter who doesn't give up, she's a strong/broken woman. I agree with Randa's review, who doesn't love hot sex scenes with profanity?! Dare I say I will never look at ice cream again due to a little hot ice cream scene? I give this book 5+++++ Stars! EVERYONE MUST BUY THIS BOOK AND READ IT!! ~Chris
February 3, 2014
"I only have the suspicion that somewhere, at one point in time or another, it all began with my mom's little life lesson: Beauty is power. And if you don't have it, the world doesn't want you. And who didn't need to be wanted?"
Elise Duchamp is an incredibly attractive woman and she knows it. But she is also broken. Sleeping around with different men gives her the thrill that she needs in her life. Ever since she was little, her parents always told her that she needs to use her looks to get somewhere in life. So she stayed behind in a little town and became a whore.
“The world likes to tell us not to be judgmental. To be kind and tolerant, loving and forgiving. But what they want and what they they're actually willing to do are two very different things. At the core, the world is shallow. They want physical beauty, even if it's only skin deep."
The Replacement was about forgiveness, acceptance, and about letting go of all the sins that you went through. Filled with complete assholes, I felt really bad for Elise. The way she turned out, she was completely broken but she couldn’t be more perfect with Ryder.
I completely devoured this book and so glad that it was a standalone because otherwise my heart would have been broken! Please remember this is only for mature audience.
January 29, 2014
I had a hard time with this book. The underlying message wasn't exactly clear. The description of the book was rather promising. Just not at all what the book was about.
I cannot tolerate people who blame their parents and others for their crap existence. From where I was sitting, Elise did nothing to deserve happiness. She didn't learn anything. Her happiness was handed to her on a sliver platter, forcefully. She will screw it up.
The men? Oh, come on! They're men. Women have power over men when it comes to sex. But did you notice she blamed the women? I felt bad for Nate. As the reader, we can't judge him because we know nothing about him.
We can't judge her father either because we only saw thru Elise's eyes. She never made an attempt to clear the air with him. What we know is she continued to hold her shallow mother as her hero until the very end. She blamed her father for her mothers actions. All the while, looking for someone who wouldn't leave her. Seriously? And you want me to believe spending a week living your dream is enough to prove you're ready for real happiness? I think not. There was no difference between what Christian offered her and what Ryder forced on her. In the end, she let a man define her existence.
I cannot tolerate people who blame their parents and others for their crap existence. From where I was sitting, Elise did nothing to deserve happiness. She didn't learn anything. Her happiness was handed to her on a sliver platter, forcefully. She will screw it up.
The men? Oh, come on! They're men. Women have power over men when it comes to sex. But did you notice she blamed the women? I felt bad for Nate. As the reader, we can't judge him because we know nothing about him.
We can't judge her father either because we only saw thru Elise's eyes. She never made an attempt to clear the air with him. What we know is she continued to hold her shallow mother as her hero until the very end. She blamed her father for her mothers actions. All the while, looking for someone who wouldn't leave her. Seriously? And you want me to believe spending a week living your dream is enough to prove you're ready for real happiness? I think not. There was no difference between what Christian offered her and what Ryder forced on her. In the end, she let a man define her existence.
February 4, 2014
I have no idea how to go about telling you my feels on this book.
Elise is a character I never did like. There's some feels for ya. She sleeps around, with married men, with other womens boyfriends....she doesn't care as long as he has a dick she can use to hide her pain. Rich, poor, overweight, balding, it matters not to Elisa as long as he possesses the magic pogo stick. Why? Classic Daddy issues, simply put. I guess I just couldn't relate to her and where do I go with a book I can't relate to?
Elise finally finds a man who actually gets inside her walls and he slowly starts to show her that maybe, just maybe she doesn't need a gaggle of penises to soothe her pain. Maybe she only needs one. He has the magic dick that soothed her soul.
Yeah. Did I mention that this guy with the magic dick LIVES IN A TENT IN THE WOODS? Because he totally does. He's one with nature....blah blah blah all I'm hearing is he's homeless.
So I enjoyed the writing style, it flowed well...but the characters, eh, not so much.
2 stars.
Elise is a character I never did like. There's some feels for ya. She sleeps around, with married men, with other womens boyfriends....she doesn't care as long as he has a dick she can use to hide her pain. Rich, poor, overweight, balding, it matters not to Elisa as long as he possesses the magic pogo stick. Why? Classic Daddy issues, simply put. I guess I just couldn't relate to her and where do I go with a book I can't relate to?
Elise finally finds a man who actually gets inside her walls and he slowly starts to show her that maybe, just maybe she doesn't need a gaggle of penises to soothe her pain. Maybe she only needs one. He has the magic dick that soothed her soul.
Yeah. Did I mention that this guy with the magic dick LIVES IN A TENT IN THE WOODS? Because he totally does. He's one with nature....blah blah blah all I'm hearing is he's homeless.
So I enjoyed the writing style, it flowed well...but the characters, eh, not so much.
2 stars.
February 6, 2014
This isn't the kind of book I normally read but I've met the author several times and wanted to read it and give her support
Point blank I was blown away. Elise was truly broken, her mind warped, and did horrible things, but yet I cried for her and,y heart broke as the story went on.
Elise is considers herself a replacement, She's beautiful, bit has so problems sleeping with every guy in their small town including the married, engaged and boyfriends without making a single excuse. She's also closed off to the rest of the world even when new coworker Natalie tries over and over to be her friend. Enter Ryder, the maintenance man from her complex, a bibliophile with dimples (drooling), who shows interest in her and not because Elise is known as the the town whore.
Point blank I was blown away. Elise was truly broken, her mind warped, and did horrible things, but yet I cried for her and,y heart broke as the story went on.
Elise is considers herself a replacement, She's beautiful, bit has so problems sleeping with every guy in their small town including the married, engaged and boyfriends without making a single excuse. She's also closed off to the rest of the world even when new coworker Natalie tries over and over to be her friend. Enter Ryder, the maintenance man from her complex, a bibliophile with dimples (drooling), who shows interest in her and not because Elise is known as the the town whore.
February 2, 2014
Wow. Racy and scandalous and sad... but I know this girl.
Chances are most people know this girl, maybe not in the pronounced and obvious way everyone in town knows Elise Duchamp, but in the way we can look around our society and see the brokenness that can come simply from living life -to know someone that is just as damaged and broken and confused about what distinguishes sex from love as Elise, a girl who doesn't love herself and therefore cannot truly love anyone else either. Is there redemption? forgiveness? acceptance? respect? Is she a victim? Does she deserve pity? I do like how this book addresses choice versus victimization... but for more you'll just have to read it.
Chances are most people know this girl, maybe not in the pronounced and obvious way everyone in town knows Elise Duchamp, but in the way we can look around our society and see the brokenness that can come simply from living life -to know someone that is just as damaged and broken and confused about what distinguishes sex from love as Elise, a girl who doesn't love herself and therefore cannot truly love anyone else either. Is there redemption? forgiveness? acceptance? respect? Is she a victim? Does she deserve pity? I do like how this book addresses choice versus victimization... but for more you'll just have to read it.
September 10, 2014
*I received a free ARC of The Replacement from Xpresso Booktours in exchange of an honest and unbiased review*
MY post is part of a blogtour, and there's a tour-wide giveaway over on my blog.
A different contemporary NA, for sure, The Replacement's main character was not one I expected to like at all. However, as I got to know Elise, that changed because she had her reasons for being 'the other woman'.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
MY post is part of a blogtour, and there's a tour-wide giveaway over on my blog.
A different contemporary NA, for sure, The Replacement's main character was not one I expected to like at all. However, as I got to know Elise, that changed because she had her reasons for being 'the other woman'.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
January 29, 2014
Rachael Wade proves just how amazing her writing ability is with "The Replacement." A bit of a departure from her other series, this standalone novel covers all the basics while delivering a powerful and compelling story of bad decisions and how it takes the right kind of person to start making good ones. This isn't your typical pretty and romantic story. It is definitely down and dirty, raw and real.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
To read the rest of my review, please visit the blog at A Love Affair With Books.
February 7, 2014
I liked this lots.
What impressed me was that even though Elise should be public enemy number one because of her choices with men, once you got inside her head you realize she kind of has a point. Who'd have thunk it?
I loved that this story showed true character development and we got to see Elise find redemption and peace following her shitty upbringing. The flashbacks to her youth were really powerful.
What really hooked me in though were the sex scenes in this. Yikes they were hawt. I mean, really, seriously erotic.
Recommended.
What impressed me was that even though Elise should be public enemy number one because of her choices with men, once you got inside her head you realize she kind of has a point. Who'd have thunk it?
I loved that this story showed true character development and we got to see Elise find redemption and peace following her shitty upbringing. The flashbacks to her youth were really powerful.
What really hooked me in though were the sex scenes in this. Yikes they were hawt. I mean, really, seriously erotic.
Recommended.
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