Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway ~ The Replacement by Rachael Wade

Hey guys! Welcome to my stop on THE REPLACEMENT blog tour hosted by Xpresso Book Tours. Click here for the full tour schedule. :D 

Title: The Replacement

Author: Rachael Wade

Publication date: January 27th 2014

Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Source: Review copy

Goodreads | BookLikes

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis

*Contains sexually explicit content and mature subject matter, including language and elements of abuse.*

A gritty New Adult drama about a young woman's self-destructive quest to find purpose, self-worth, and love in a broken world. 

My name is Elise Duchamp. I'm twenty-three years old and I'm known as the town whore. 

No, not the kind who exchanges sexual favors for money. The other kind. The kind who gives it all away for free, whenever and however she likes. I am that girl. The one everyone whispers about and the one none of the girls seem to like, because all of their boyfriends either want to sleep with me or already have. Promiscuity is my thing - the kind that slowly, violently turns my insides black, but gives me something I need.

All things considered, I'm not completely reckless. I'm safe, and contrary to popular opinion, I do have a heart. I live in a world of careless choices, and with those choices come careless people. I cannot judge them, because I am one of them. I too bow down to the altar of the self-serving. I am not a good friend. I am not and never could be anyone's girlfriend. I'm convinced any goodness in me shriveled up and died long ago.

But I am a replacement. That is something I know how to be, and this is a story of the lengths I'd go to in order to keep it that way. 

  

My Review

My Rating: 5 / 5 

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!   

About the Author ~ Rachael Wade

 

Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The Preservation Series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, The Keepers Trilogy. When she's not writing, she's busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment. Visit her at http://www.rachaelwade.com and http://www.lightsonoutreach.com, or come chat with her on Twitter via @RachaelWade. 

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads   

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

Blog Tour hosted by:

Cover Reveal ~ A Beautiful Mistake by Emily McKee

Coming February 2014...

SYNOPSIS

* Book #3 in the Beautiful Series *

Jade Williams has been a walking mistake since the day she was born.

Picking the wrong friends. Picking the wrong boyfriend. She also thought it was a mistake when she allowed her brother's sexy old roommate, Neil, to move in with her.

Neil James is a walking contradiction.

He has piercings and looks like a bad-boy rebel, but he also stutters through his words and blushes whenever he talks to Jade.

His whole life Neil has seen the effects of what can happen if you make a mistake. He's seen the damage it has caused and the outcomes because of those mistakes. Learning from others' actions he decided to make a promise to himself and has kept that promise. Up until, he met Jade and moved in with her.

When a secret unravels, Jade questions what exactly is going on in their relationship...

Will this be yet another terrible mistake made on Jade's part or can Neil repair the pieces to Jade's past and give her a beautiful future?

* Purchase Book #1 & #2 in the Beautiful Series *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

For the past 21 years, I have been a planner and an organizer.  I always needed things a specific way and then everything changed for me.  I've always had a vivid imagination and thoughts racing through my mind.  I realized that life is way too short to let things pass me by, because in the blink of an eye everything could change.  So I decided to just live in the moment, taking every chance and opportunity led my way.  No second thoughts and just going with the flow.  

I decided to put the fictional characters and the conversations going on in my head to paper.  I know, it makes me sound crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  I've embraced crazy and hectic and last minute because it's led me to making my dreams a reality.

When I'm not writing Happily Ever After's I'm reading about them and living one.  I think this world is filled with too much sadness already we don't need to read about it as well.  I write because I love it and I've allowed my imagination to run wild and be crazy and free. Just like me.

CONNECT WITH EMILY

* Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Amazon *

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Feature & Follow #38 ~ This is Spinal Tap

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where two blogs are featured. Click the links above to follow the hosting bloggers and the featured bloggers and enter the link to your own post in the linky. Hop around to as many blogs as you can - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. Mingle and make some new blogger friends! :D

I would be so happy and ever so grateful if you'd follow me any way you'd like but especially by Bloglovin' or email (feedburner to the left) and Twitter. Thank you! <3

  Time for Book Spine Poetry again! Take a picture of your book spines spelling out something epic. 

Here's my epic poetry attempt! <3

After the Snow

The Space Between White Lines.

The Girl of Fire and Thorns Under the Never Sky.

Something Strange and Deadly, No Safety in Numbers.

Run.

Okay, your turn! Show me what ya got! :D

  

Moonflower by EDC Johnson

I'm so excited for MOONFLOWER! Look at the cover - it's ethereal and mystical...no two better words to describe it. :) 

Today I want to let you know this book is on sale for only $.099 on Amazon both in the US and the UK for a limited time. 

I have received a copy for review from the author (thank you!!) and will have a review for you guys as soon as I can. :D 

Title: Moonflower

Author: EDC Johnson

Publication date: December 2nd 2013

(First published June 30th 2012)

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Genre: YA Fantasy

Goodreads | BookLikes

Synopsis

After Josephine Woods' father dies of cancer, her mother up-roots the two of them and moves to the city. Josie hates her city life, but her teenage issues are of little consequence when they have a car accident and she wakes up in a strange land (reminiscent of Victorian Europe) alone. 

Lost, with her school backpack as the only connection to her world, Josie struggles to find her way home. She is found by Lucius Conri, the son of a Marquess, who possesses royal blood and the gift to shift into a wolf's form at will. 

Can the kind-hearted Lucius help her find her way while winning her love, or will she fall for Donovan Conri, his older, more serious brother and heir to the Conri wealth?  

Purchase Links

Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author ~ EDC Johnson

EDC Johnson grew up in the Midwest, graduating from Michigan State University with her BFA in Art Education and her MA in Art Education from Western Michigan University. She currently lives with her husband in Palm Harbor, Florida. Her decade of experience as a public school art teacher has inspired her to write fiction novels that will entice young readers. You may see some of her illustrations in Renee Mallet's Fairies, Mermaids, and Other Mystical Creatures. 

Find more information about EDC Johnson on her website: http://www.edcjohnson.com.

Author Links

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour: Promo & Giveaway ~ The Death of Ink by M.M. John

Hey guys! Welcome to my stop on The Death of Ink Blog Tour hosted by IFB Tours. Click here for the full tour schedule. 

Title: The Death of Ink

Series: The Death of Ink #1

Author: M.M. John

Release date: January 17th 2014

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Goodreads | Amazon 

Synopsis

Paige Langley's life has always revolved around good grades and escaping her less than ideal home life...but once she meets Devon Connors, her life drastically changes. 

Although, they share an instant attraction, Devon's concealing a dark past. And an even darker secret...there's a dead girl haunting him nightly.

Resolute to win the school's writing contest, Paige will do just about anything to achieve her goals. So after she finds a binder containing information on a past murder and the illegal activities of the students, she believes the stories are fictional and the perfect way to win the contest.

But the owner of the manuscript, Devon Connors, has other plans. To keep Paige from exposing his secrets, Devon befriends her and even offers to help her write a winning story for the contest. 

The chemistry between Paige and Devon is undeniable, but Paige doesn't know if she can trust him. The deeper she digs into the dark underbelly of their high school, the more she realizes that some secrets are better left buried.

About the Author 

College student by day, clandestine writer by night, M.M. John lives in a Florida town full of ghosts, mysteries and secrets. THE DEATH OF INK is her first novel. 

Website | Goodreads

a Rafflecopter giveaway

             

Blog Tour hosted by:

Release Day Blitz (Daughters of the Sea #1) ~ Forsaken by Kristen Day

I'm so excited to take part in the Release Day Blitz for FORSAKEN, the first book in the Daughters of the Sea Series. This book sounds awesome, and I am sadly missing Kristen Day in my life. I have some of her books waiting on my Kindle, and they're beginning to become impatient. ;)

Forsaken

Daughters of the Sea-Book #1

By Kristen Day 

Once you've been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…

Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago.

Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her. Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and  dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity.

Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendants of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.

But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love.

She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesied to be a part of. The fate of all the descendants will forever depend upon it.

 

Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway ~ Used & Confused (Getting Inside of V #1 & #2) by Kate Lynne

“There’s only one kind of medicine that works for me, sweetheart. Are you sure that you can help?” I ask seriously. I trail my hands up my body until I reach my breasts.

USED SYNOPSIS 
**Mature Content Warning** 
Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content. 

The name's V...

I'm beautiful in every sense of the word physically. But on the inside, I'm a black pit. 

If you're expecting a happily ever after, a white picket fence and 2.5 kids; then this isn't the story for you. 

There aren't any happily ever after in the works for me or those whose lives I poison. 

I hold the key to my pleasure and I'll be damned if I ever give it up again. 

God forsake those that stand in my way of ultimate gratification. 

You may regret me, but you'll never forget me. 

Use or Be Used, there are no other options... 

  *This story contains dirty words, dirty sex and an even dirtier twist.*

My Review

My Rating: 5 / 5

Source: Review copy

Have you heard the expression about being unable to look away from a train wreck even though you know you should? That's how I felt taking a look into V's life - I should look away but couldn't. There's something darkly fascinating about this character and how she chooses to live her life. She has to be one of the brashest female characters I've come across in, well, ever. She will poison your life as promised. 

I didn't hate V as she expected - rather, I was entranced and almost hypnotized by her. She has this tough exterior shell but inside is a wreck and vulnerable, which I think is why I didn't hate her. USED may be a quick read, but Kate Lynne doesn't waste one word in introducing you to V's world. By the end, I felt as though I had read a full-length novel rather than a novella - THAT much happened. 

Most of USED is narrated by V, but you also get a look from two other characters' point of views. I believe V can be a bit delusional about her exterior - I don't think she fools everyone like she believes she does. There has to be someone who see right through her. The ending is quite chilling and sets up for the next novella in a way that makes me want to grab it right away. Luckily, I have a copy of CONFUSED waiting for me!   

CONFUSED SYNOPSIS
 (Please note this is a Novella)

**Mature Content Warning** 
Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content. 

You didn't honestly think you could get rid of me just yet, did you? 

New town, new faces and by far my biggest conquest yet. I will have him. There is no doubt in my mind.

Detective...Breccan...Grant... 

His name rolls right off my tongue and drips deep down to my core. 

Tall, dark and undeniably handsome.  

Seducing is the name of the game, but he's not falling for it... Yet! 

Of course that doesn't deter me. You should know me better by now. 

The only thing left to do is up the ante'. My cold, dead heart at the center of the prize table, up for grabs to my next victim. 

Until it suddenly starts to beat again. 

Don't panic, I know I'm not. Temporary malfunction, that's all! Nothing more, nothing less. 

My heart must be confused. Simply. Fucking. Confused.

 

 

COMING SOON: UNDERSTOOD

UNDERSTOOD SYNOPSIS

**Mature Content Warning**

Recommended for ages 17+ due to language and sexual content. 

My finger is on the trigger. 

Steady. Aim. Fire.

I'm determined to finish what I've started.

I am a lot of things, but a quitter isn't on the list. 

I'm not asking for love, hope or even pity.

In fact, if you give me any of those things, it may be you with the gun aimed at your heart. 

All I've ever asked is to be understood. 

Unfortunately, for the person that finally does, they'll be the one to take the bullet.

ABOUT KATE LYNNE

23 Years Young.

Manager for an assisted living program working with mentally challenged adults.

Currently pursuing my degree in Music Therapy.

Loves Music, writing and reading.

Has a cockapoo dog named Jezebella that is closest thing I have to a child. She's a handful, but I love her.

Currently resides in Michigan, USA.

Addicted to Lip Gloss, Oreos and Sleep.

~ Giveaway ~

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Hosted by: Limitless Publishing

Release Day Blitz ~ Hidden Magic by Melanie Crouse

Title: Hidden Magic

Series: The Dragon Lord #1

Author: Melanie Crouse

Release date: January 24th 2014 

Genre: YA Fantasy

Blitz organized by: Mark My Words Book Publicity

Add to Goodreads

Purchase on Amazon

Synopsis:

When Jenny has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister, a small slice of freedom is all she's really hoping for when she has the opportunity to spend the summer with her sister. Instead she finds something else altogether: electricity.

That's what Jenny feels when she looks at Arram. She knows he’s drawn to her too, but the mage-in-training does his best to hide it. 

Stung, Jenny turns to Arram's former best friend, Jack. But Arram and Jack's rivalry is much darker than Jenny suspects, and so are Jack's intentions. Soon she's caught in a mystery of old murder, ancient prophecies, and magic hidden where no one has thought to look. 

When Jenny uncovers a secret magic, she is offered two choices. Arram wants her to do the safe thing. Jack wants to show her the easy way out. Whatever Jenny decides, her life will irrevocably change. 

Either way, freedom may be the one thing Jenny can never have.

Excerpt

Jack put his finger to his lips and motioned toward an empty bedroom across the hall. Not knowing what else to do, she went in, her heart thudding against her ribs. “Jack,” she whispered. “What are you doing here? How did you get in?”

“What? No welcome home kiss?” His voice was mocking.

Trying to keep her voice steady, she said, “So Arram was right. You do want to kidnap me after all.”

“Kidnap you?” Jack looked horrified. Underneath the horror though, Jenny could see that his eyes were sparkling with mischief. “I should have known Arram would fill your head with something stupid like that. No, you wonderful, impossible girl, I’m here to rescue you.”  

About Melanie Crouse

Melanie Crouse is the author of Hidden Magic, coauthor of the book Alchemy and the CEO of the craziest household in the Western Hemisphere. Lately, both of those full-time jobs have collided, creating chaos on a colossal scale. Which is just the way she likes it. 

In her spare time, Melanie likes to play the piano, swim, hike and teach preschool. Whether she has spare time or not, she manages to read prolifically, which probably explains more than it doesn't. 

She loves her family dearly, and wishes with all her heart that her teenage children weren't so embarrassed that their mom writes "kissing scenes."

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

I'm looking forward to reading HIDDEN MAGIC! It's been a while since I've lost myself in a good 'ole YA Fantasy. Love the cover, the synopsis, the characters' names, and the promise of fun and excitement! And it has released TODAY!! :D 

   

Feature & Follow #37 ~ Get Ready 'Cause Your TBR Is About to Become Putty in My Hands!

Feature & Follow Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where two blogs are featured. Click the links above to follow the hosting bloggers and the featured bloggers and enter the link to your own post in the linky. Hop around to as many blogs as you can - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. Mingle and make some new blogger friends! :D

I would be so happy and ever so grateful if you'd follow me any way you'd like but especially by Bloglovin' or email (feedburner to the left) and Twitter. Thank you! <3

 Q: What books are you looking forward to reading in 2014?   

A: There are so many! But I'll just list a few. :)
(Click on the book titles to be taken to Goodreads) 

These Broken Stars 

This one is a must! So many rave reviews, and it's waiting on my Kindle. :D 

Dirty Wings (All Our Pretty Songs #2) 

This is the sequel to All Our Pretty Songs, which I know many readers didn't like; however, I loved it for exactly the reasons others didn't like it, lol. So I'm waiting for this one anxiously. :) 

Donners of the Dead

I could've kicked myself for failing to sign up on time for the blog tour, but I will definitely be buying this when it's released, which is about a month from now. Deliciously dark sounding, it's right up my alley! 

Unhinged (Splintered #2)

Last year I pre-ordered Splintered, and when I finished, I immediately wanted Unhinged. You don't know how much I NEED this book! Pretty sure I'm making a trip out this weekend before the next snowstorm hits. :)  

             

  

The Addicted to You Series by Krista & Becca Ritchie is ah-mazing! Seriously, if you haven't checked out this series, you really should. I've read books #1, #1.5, and #2. The two books shown above are about secondary but important characters from the series, while Thrive is book #2.5. There's also book #3 coming out this year but doesn't have a cover yet. I'll be crying when the series ends. I love Lily and Lo that much. 

Love Letters to the Dead

Laurel and I already have much in common - I'd write letters to Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin, and Heath Ledger. My love for Kurt and Nirvana is what led me to pick up All Our Pretty Songs mentioned above. I'm looking forward to diving into this one! 

Orenda

I am looking forward to reading this book so much. I was a part of the cover reveal, and it is so gosh darn gorgeous, it almost makes my eyes hurt. I truly believe the writing will be that gorgeous, too. 

Teen Spirit

Believe it or not, I have a stack of books by Francesca Lia Block on my bookshelf that I just haven't had time to read yet. But I've heard so much about the Weetzie Bat books, I set out to collect them, especially once I read they are considered controversial in some places. A ouija board? Teen spirit? I'm there! 

Have I added to your TBR? ;D 

What books are you looking forward to devouring this year?