Poughkeepsie

The Poughkeepsie Brotherhood #1

by Debra Anastasia

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, New Adult, Adult, Abuse, Dark

372 pages, Paperback

First published November 20, 2011

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Debra Anastasia creates pretend people in her head and paints them on the giant, beautiful canvas of your imagination.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in political science but writes new adult angst and romantic comedies. She lives in Maryland with her husband and two amazing children. She is always surrounded by her shelter kitties who listen to all the scenes she's writing as she acts them out.

Become a Daredevil reader today.

Reviews

[Kat Kennedy · Rating 2 out of 5]

There has been a great discussion in the comments about pulled Fanfictions and whether they are morally reprehensible for their past or should be judged based on their quality and degree of separation from their source material.
Unfortunately this book fails both tests. Yes, it is a reworked fanfiction. I was willing to maybe put that aside if it was good because I remember the relationship dynamic and characters being very different from the source material and, indeed, being very different from any book I'd ever read.

That part is still true - but I'm saved from having a moral dilemma over whether to give this book a high rating or not - because this is not a good book.

I could rattle off the usual. The characters are two dimensional and unconvincing, the plot is a haphazard hodgepodge of nonsense and the writing is mediocre. The exboyfriend was mustache-twirling ridiculous, the three brothers lacked a realistic bond or even respectable backstory. The main female protagonist was laughably incomplete as a character and still managed to be scarily dependent on her boyfriend despite the fact that he was both homeless and mentally-ill.

All of this would usually still leave you with somewhat of an okay story. Readable but nothing spectacular. Unfortunately, the novel's history caught up with it in the least expected the way.

You see, Fanfiction and novels appear on the outside to be similar mediums. Both narratives that span similar lengths from novellas to sprawling epics. Yet, it's in their conception and delivery that makes them markedly different.

A novel is written, edited and then published for public consumption. This hopefully means that the story has been smoothed out and any plotting problems sorted. The consumers receive the book whole and can read it in one sitting. The author then has the luxury of evenly spacing the story arc and gives the book balance.

Fanfictions, are written and published (or updated in the fanfiction world) chapter by chapter. Sometimes the author has a plot worked out but often not. Updating sometimes happens as often as weekly or can stretch out to be several months between updates. As such, readers follow many stories at once and thus the skills of a successful fanfic deviate heavily from a successful novel.

For starters - relationships can not take an entire book to develop. After some general polling a couple of years ago, fanficers reported that they would abandon a story should the main characters not "unite" within 9-11 chapters (considering many fanfics have 30+ chapters, this is a rather short amount of time). Then it's a matter of dragging the story along for awhile until people start to get bored. In the last five chapters or so, fanfiction authors tend to shit out a resolution, wash their hands of it and move on.

This is exactly what happens in Poughkeepsie. The couples mostly resolve their issues and are happily together. There is a visible moment in the story when the author shits herself, realizes she needs a tidy way to resolve the plot and then sets about creating a ridiculous ending.

What I had hoped was that this novel, when pulled, would be seriously - and with great consideration - edited into a respectable piece. In this I was disappointed. I can't see anything new or different from the Fanfic. I would go through my version to see if the author has done anything more than find and replace the names, but I can't be bothered.

The chance I had been willing to give this novel is now squandered. I guess now we'll never be able to know what brilliant argument I would have come up with to justify the morality in its publishing. Which is a shame. I love arguing.

This review can be found on my blog, Cuddlebuggery Book Blog

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars!

"He counts. You've smiled at him four hundred and forty-six times as of a few minutes ago. He announces the number every time I see him."

This book was fantastic! The first half of the book was a beautiful love story of Livia and Blake (who I just loved) Livia was such a great character. She was kind and compassionate, and always tried to do the right thing. Blake was just adorable, such the gentleman. He was a sweetheart and the part where he counts her smiles, I love that!

The second half of the book got a little crazy. There was tons of drama, especially with one of Blake’s ‘brothers’ Beckett- my most favorite character in the book! He was a mess at times, but everything he did, even the most terrible things were for good reasons- protecting his brothers. And he was hilarious! Two of my favorite quotes about Beckett:

"Beckett is probably the hardest person there is to love, he does life wrong for all the right reasons." and
"Beckett is all sorts of bad because of what he does, but who he is- that's very beautiful."

That pretty much sums him up. Also have to say I loved Liv’s sister Kyle. She was so funny! Cole rubbed me the wrong way at very first, but he defiantly grew on me. I loved how the story went into most everyones background and you got to see a lot about all the characters. This book was wonderful!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://samsawesomness.blogspot.com/20...

Poughkeepsie
By Debra Anastasia

*scrubs hand over face* WOW!!

I'm not sure I can adequately tell you how much I absolutely adored this book!

I have read some pretty great books, and I have read some amazing books this year. Opinions are always subjective and in my opinion this book fell into the amazing group. This was the kind of book that made me look back and rethink some of the 5 stars I have given this year when I actually just want to give this book more than 5 stars. Poughkeepsie is an amazing story that will definitely stay with me for a while to come. Debra Anastasia has a well put together story, and an amazing, colorful cast of characters that all play a major role in this book.

Let me ask you this: would you ever give a homeless guy a second glance?? I likely wouldn’t either, but Livia McHugh did, Blake Hartt spent his days waiting to see her as she would come and go from the Poughkeepsie train station, counting her smiles. She would always see him there, always keeping to himself in the shadows, never asking for handouts, and it wasn’t until some bully’s were picking on the homeless guy and Livia stood up for him that Blake Hartt and Livia finally met. This setting in motion the events of the story. After seeing Blake up close, she could no longer ignore his handsomeness , with his beautiful green eyes.

As the story begins, Livia has a boyfriend that she’s trying to rid herself of, and after she and Blake meet and start getting to know each other, she really wants to get rid of him. She finally does, but Chris will not accept that Livia is done with him. He’s all about his image, and he feels that Livia has shamed him by dumping him for the homeless guy. All he has on his mind is getting her back, and doing something bad to Blake. He’s just too self absorbed to believe that Livia truly doesn’t want him. There's more to the Chris story, but I'm going to leave that to you.

Blake has two brothers, and while they’re not biologically related, they’re bond couldn’t be stronger if they were. Blake and his two brothers Cole, and Beckett aged out of the foster care system from the same foster home, a home where events happened that bonded them as the brothers they are. Each of the brothers carry a heavy load of baggage from their past that ultimately have shaped them into the men they are. Blake and Cole had someone along the way during childhood that showed they cared, people that didn’t have to but they did and it stayed with them over the years. Apparently Beckett didn’t have that, he was the first to age out of foster care, and his sole purpose was to look after his brothers the best he could, by any means necessary. Beckett is naughty, *eyebrow waggle* and does bad things. His business is all things illegal. I just loved all 3 of the brothers, but Beckett tugged at my heart strings most, I think it’s because he has no concept of his self worth. Yes, he’s a criminal with no limits, but he loves fiercely, he will go insane, and lay down his life to keep his family safe. He has a foul mouth, and I thoroughly enjoyed him. He’s intense one minute, and cracking me up the next, and has quite the knack for stealing a scene. So between Chris’s devious plotting, and Beckett’s dirty business we get the action and suspense of the story.

I could go on and on about the Characters in this book. To say the characters outside of Blake and Livia are secondary doesn’t feel accurate because their stories are just as much a part of this book. They all carry a load of personal issues, and things from their past that have shaped who they are, and Debra Anastasia has woven their stories together beautifully. Blake is beautiful man, and sweet, and proud. Livia is the only one that seems to have her crap together, full of love and hope. Livia’s sister Kyle has abandonment and misplaced love issues, and absolutely no filter between her brain and her mouth, I loved her. Cole has a lot in common with Kyle, except the filter, and he’s deadly when necessary. Eve…. Where to start with her, stealthy like a ninja, and deadly as an assassin. I love her character, and my heart broke for her back story. Then there's Mouse, I can't go without mentioning this beautiful soul. The ever loyal, brave, and selfless friend.

This is a gorgeous book, just beautiful storytelling, and one of my favorites this year. I’m crossing my fingers for a sequel. Thank you Debra Anastasia, you blew my mind, made my heart pound, brought tears to my eyes, and made me laugh… a lot!

5+ AMAZING STARS!!

(DON'T MISS THIS FANTASTIC TRAILER!)

http://youtu.be/3tHdSFrxnp4

[Aestas Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Every time I think I couldn’t love you a bit more, you stretch my heart again.”

The first half of this book was wonderful- it made me want to give the book 5 stars. The story hooked me from the beginning, I loved the characters, and the writing style was beautiful. But I felt the second half of the story was brought down by all the drama. There was too much it – it needed more editing! I'd probably give the second half 3-3.5 stars. I felt that the story kind of exploded, it became a little less focused on the characters and I felt myself lose a bit of my connection to the story.

Blake Hartt (God, don’t you just love that name??) sees Livia McHugh every day at the train station. Every day she smiles at him, and he counts each of her smiles as though they were a precious gift. But Blake is homeless, no one sees him except Livia.

“No one has really seen me in years… But when you saw me for the first time, you actually saw me. You saw me, and then you smiled like I was just the same as everyone else on that platform.”

When some bullies try to pick on Blake one day, Livia steps in to defend him leading to their first official meeting. Each day they spend a little time together in the mornings and in the evenings, inexplicable drawn to each other until finally they can’t deny that what they have is more than just friendship.

Blake was a beautiful character. He was a refreshing change from so many typical male leads. He wasn’t dripping in money, he was vulnerable and deeply tormented by his past but oh-so-sweet, charming, thoughtful, and chivalrous beyond all means. He was both gentle in so many ways but growing in up in the foster system and being on the streets hardened him making him far from defenseless. I loved how he worship Livia – how grateful he was for every moment with her and treasured every aspect of her being.

“Blake…has a tremendous sense of pride, which he will not see compromised. He finds no glory in accepting help. If he hasn’t earned it, he wants no part of it.”

Livia was a strong female lead. She was kind, and caring, but very tough and not one to hide from a dangerous or difficult situation. I loved the way she saw Blake – she saw him for who he was as a man, not for for who his situation made him. She fell in love with him and didn’t care that they weren’t in the same tax bracket. She liked him, then she loved him, and that was all that mattered to her. Blake also has some issues left over from his horrible childhood and I loved that she dealt with them in such a non-judgmental, completely understanding way.

“Do you love him?”…
“I feel like I’ve always loved him, and now I just got lucky enough to find him.”

This book is almost equally about the side characters as it is about Blake and Livia. Blake’s two (foster) brothers, Beckett and Cole play a huge and wonderful in the story. Bound together by the horrors of their foster home, they forged a deep bond of family, love, loyalty and dedication to each other that you couldn’t help but feel your heart.

I loved Cole – he had a horrific past and got a delightful HEA in this book. But Beckett was the one who really stole my heart!!! He’s the big brother of the three and feels responsible for Blake and Cole. I LOVED him and I am ridiculously excited that he is getting his own book. He is like Kellan and Travis’ long lost brother. He’s the one who gets his hands dirty to protect his brothers (who are, by the way, a seriously awesome kick-ass trio). He is, not out of choice but out of necessity, a pimp, a drug dealer, a murderer, but with a heart of absolute gold and there is nothing that he wouldn't do or give up for his brothers and his family- he made me totally swoon-y! Did I mention I love him??

“I hit the streets first. So I knew what we were in for…To live in this world without a dime or a pot to piss in, you have to sell your soul or your body…I sold my soul, Livia, and I sold other people’s bodies. But when my brothers stepped out of our foster home…I had respect. Respect enough to keep their souls clean. I’m going to hell…for all three of us.”

The writing style really gives a beauty to the story – especially in regards to Blake and Livia’s scenes. They almost feel magical.

“He moved to her earlobe and breathed, “First, I will blow, then I will lick, last I will bite.” Blake took his time blowing an elaborate pattern on her stomach, and Livia was pretty sure he’d spelled the word torture.”

“You make the rest of the beautiful things in the world cry for even trying at all. You make it hard for me to breathe.”

And its a great contrast to the gritty feel of Beckett and Cole’s scenes. The author does a very good job of inserting humor to help lighten up the darker undertones of the story.

There really is a little bit of everything in this book: a beautiful love story (or two!), drugs, parties, a helluva lot of murders, kidnapping and hostages, creative swearing, steamy moments, gunfights, a jealous/scheming ex-boyfriend, quiet times in the meadow, midnight masses at church, vengeance sprees…

The book is really about finding ways to be together and not allowing the future to be ruled by the hurts of the past.

Here's how I see Blake and Livia:



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[Kristin (KC) · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 Stars!*

A fun story!

Poughkeepsie takes us on a rocky, inspirational journey of faith where characters struggle to overcome personal demons brought on by damaging childhoods and social injustices. As delicate as this story seems, there are surprisingly many laugh-out-loud moments—courtesy of its very quirky, tormented, but lovable characters. 

Livia is a student who boards a train each morning where she sees Blake—a beautiful, mysterious homeless man to whom she offers an honest smile daily. She doesn't know it, but Blake counts her smiles and dreams of someday deserving them. Words remain unspoken between the two until the day Livia decides to defend Blake's honor from a group of taunting teens...and then bringing Blake happiness becomes all Livia can think about.

I loved the somber, yet uplifting messages provided by this story. How being born into an unfortunate circumstance may bend you, but doesn't have to break you. How "homeless" may be your current status but doesn't define you. With the amount of emotional weakness presented through this story, I felt nothing but an intense strength protruding from its pages at almost all times.

The gorgeous imagery and symbolism, as well as the deep spiritual element woven into this story added a unique depth. Many secondary characters take center stage, and the way the author maintains this story's charm is impressive. 

The only issue I came across: Some of the ending's occurrences seemed a bit over-the-top. I don't mind outrageous happenings in fiction, as long as they blend well with the story's overall tone. Nevertheless, the unbreakable bond between brothers, and the love strong enough to conquer all made me embrace this wonderful story from beginning to end! 

Livia, you make the rest of the beautiful things in the world cry for even trying. You make it hard for me to breathe.

Book Stats:
▪ Genre/Category: Contemporary Romance
▪ Steam Caliber: Very steamy
▪ Romance: Sweet and slow-building.
▪ Characters: Original, lovable.
▪ Plot: Centers on overcoming life's obstacles.
▪ Writing: Witty, humorous, emotional.
▪ POV: 3rd Person Perspective
▪ Cliffhanger: None
▪ Next Installment: Character spinoff

[Lucia · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 STARS

"Us being in the same atmosphere is either a great cosmic catastrophe or the most serependitous rendezvous."

My Livia and Blake:


Everyday on her way to work, Livia smiles at everyone on the train station. The homeless man in the shadows is no exception. When the group of boys decide to bully and attack him Livia has to step up. And so begins her unusual friendship with beautiful homeless man.



Blake is haunted by demons from his past and he prefers to be secluded from ordinary world. He lives for smiles and banters with lovely Livia. But soon, friendship is not enough for them and they cannot deny this intense pull between them.



But there are too many obstacles to overcome for them to be together and happy. Is love enough to face all the problems life presents them with?

It was clear from the very beginning that author invested a lot of time into creating supportive characters. I was fascinated by bound between Blake and his foster brothers. 3 different guys, 3 matching tattoos, 3 lives connected forever. Beckett and Cole would do anything to protect Blake and his fragile state of mind. Will be Blake's feelings for Livia his salvation or his undoing?

I quickly got to like Blake. He was different from ordinary book heroes. He may seem crazy to the outsiders but the truth is that he is contemplative, perceptive, gentleman and very fascinating young man.

Livia was always sweet and caring person, putting needs of others before hers own. But when someone was threatening her loved ones, she was the first one to defend them. I really loved her feisty nature.

However, for me, the biggest hero of this book was Beckett. He is guy with the biggest heart ever and extremely sacrificing when it comes to those he loves. I don't remember last time I had so much respect for some character. I cannot wait for his book Return to Poughkeepsie!



I love stories which are out of the norm and I love to be wowed when reading somehting unique and original. Poughkeepsie fits exactly into this category. I loved everything about it - characters, pacing, plotline. Debra Anastasia did excellent job writing this book. Just be prepared, this story deals with some heavy topics like abuse, mental illness and murders.

Poughkeepsie is beautiful and captivating story of 6 people, their lives, problems, hopes and dreams. This story touched my heart and I will never forget it!

MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing

[Smitten's Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Where to begin? Two words... Mind. Blown.
I'll start with casting. I couldn't only cast Livia and Blake as there was so much more to this story, so I've picked what I think the six main characters would look like.

Eve & Beckett


Kyle & Cole


I loved the idea behind the story of Livia and Blake! That in itself would have been enough for me but that isn't what you get with Poughkeepsie... the story isn't about two people falling in love, it's about everybody surrounding them and the insane life they lead.

The surrounding characters were great. I absolutely adored Beckett! I think he was my favourite, ironically, as they don't come badder than Beckett Taylor, the murdering, pimping, but gorgeously muscled drug dealer, who commits crimes to protect his young brothers! I know, right? Not to mention he has the most hilarious, filthy mouth! He has some priceless one liners that had me LOL'ing all over the place.

The author does such an amazing job of developing every single character in this story that actually, I think it goes a bit far the other way... there were times when I forgot that this was a story about Livia and Blake and I felt that important parts of their story were compromised at the expense of things that were going on with the other characters.

It took me a couple of days to get through this book, which is unusual for me, but I just kept putting it down to give my mind a break, it was that intense! There was copious amounts of grit, bloodshed, crime, drama, action... and for me, not enough romance in what, essentially, when you strip all of the drama away, was an extremely romantic story of an ordinary, kind hearted woman falling for a homeless, vulnerable young man who counts her smiles... swoon worthy isn't it? I just wish we'd heard more of it.

Blake is just the most adorable character! I fell head over heels for his innocence and his chivalrousness. You can't help but want to take him home and keep him safe.

I absolutely cried my eyes dry at Beckett's final scene in the story! As such a Beckett fan I was not at all happy with that ending and it broke my heart. If I'm not careful I'll end up with a house full of these troubled brothers, because I'd have brought him home and kept him safe too.

So yeh, parts of it I couldn't get enough of and parts of it felt like wading through treacle. It was a mixed bag for me. If you like a tonne of action and drama with your romance, then this is one for you... but personally, I prefer a bit more sex and shmoosh with mine.

Plot - There were sub plots for sub plots for sub plots in this book. There was so much going on that sometimes I found it difficult to keep track. I adore the initial idea for the romance between Blake and Livia and I also did really enjoy some of the gritty dramatics, but it was a little toooo much in my opinion.
Characters - Fantastic set of characters. Really, some of the best character development I've read in a book! You felt like you knew each of the so well. Blake and Livia first, the Blake's brothers Cole and Beckett, and Livia's sister Kyle. And it goes beyond that even... Debra Anastasia is the boss when it comes to creating characters!
Steaminess - There are a couple of steamy scenes. I'd say the scenes between Blake and Livia are more intensely emotional and romantic than steamy.

“First, I will blow, then I will lick, last I will bite.”


Angst - More than you shake a stick at! Murders galore, crimes, explosion, shootings, stalkers, kidnapping, drive bys, romantic break ups... think of a source of angst and Poughkeepsie likely covers it! However, the romantically linked characters are pretty steadfast for most of the book. Obviously there are a few stumbling blocks for them, but that isn't really where the angst features so much. It's more all the crazy going on around them.
Ending - Well, overall it's a happy ending, but with so many characters and so much crap going down, it's not possible for every one of them to get their HEA. Cue the tears! I cried like a baby on two occasions.
Favourite Quotes -
“You make the rest of the beautiful things in the world cry for even trying at all. You make it hard for me to breathe.”

“If I told you once, I told you a million times: you’re a handsome motherfucker. I’m almost gay for you.”

“If you're playing on fucking me to death, I'm so on board with that.”

“Dear Livia McHugh. I'll be your husband. I'll be nothing but yours for the rest of forever. A single, simple day with you is something I'll refuse to take for granted. You have been the reason my heart beats since the moment I saw you, long before your hands actually had to do the job for me. Sleep in my arms. Wake up by my side. My beautiful love, be my wife and make me the happiest man. And I will never, ever lose count. Love always, Blake Hartt”

“You've smiled at him four hundred and forty six times as of a few minutes ago. He announces the number every time I see him.”

“Captain Romance back there wants to inject himself into you like a vaccine.”


I could go on... there are some truly brilliant pieces of writing in Poughkeepsie. I'd recommend the read just for those alone.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I originally read this book several months ago, and have been struggling with how to write a review that properly conveys just how special this book is. And just how much this story, and each and every character has come to mean to me.

Blake has been watching Livia from the shadows of the Poughkeepsie train station for months. He loves her from afar, and counts each of the smiles she bestows upon him as she makes her way to and from work each day. Her smiles are full of kindness, and not pity. He senses no fear from her, even after she realizes he is in fact homeless. One morning, as Blake is being harassed by a group of thugs, Livia steps in to defend him. And what follows is in my opinion the most romantic, and beautiful love story I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

There has been a lot of talk about fan fiction lately. With the success of Fifty Shades of Grey some people are taking a second look at something that has been to some, myself included, a somewhat guilty pleasurable addiction. And while Poughkeepsie and Fifty Shades may have started out the same way (as Twilight fanfic) they are in completely different galaxies as far as story line, character development etc. Yes, i am a fan of the FSOG series, but Poughkeepsie is hands down the superior book on every level.

Debra Anastasia is a brilliant author. Period. She managed to take a very simple story, and bring it to life in such a way that I truly felt I was in their world. I knew these people, I knew where they lived, who they loved, and what their thoughts and feelings were as if I were experiencing them myself.

With the exception of the physical description of Blake, and his tendency to speak in a formal manner, Poughkeepsie is nothing at all like Twilight. Something you definitely can not say about FSOG.

Another thing I absolutely loved about this book, was the cast of supporting characters. Blake's foster brothers Cole & Beckett. Livia's sister Kyle. And, I can't write a review without mentioning my beloved Mouse. A huge, tough as nails bodyguard who loves his 'family' and knitting.

This book made me smile, laugh, squirm in my seat (in a VERY good way. Blake is a sexy devil and the chemistry he has with Livia is insane. And don't get me started on Beckett. Guh), and sob my eyes out on more than one occasion. It has become my 2nd favorite book of all time, and if I succeed in getting one person to read this book based on my review, I will be a happy girl.

Bottom line: if you loved Twilight, or if you hated Twilight. If you loved Fifty Shades of Grey, or hated Fifty Shades of Grey. None of that matters. If you enjoy losing yourself in a story, reading about wonderfully realistic and flawed characters, like your romance with a bit of humor and a lot of spice...if you don't mind crying from both happiness and sadness, if you want to read a book that will stay in your heart forever...then read Poughkeepsie. You'll thank me later. ;)


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[Arlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Us being in the same atmosphere is either a great cosmic catastrophe or the most serendipitous rendezvous.

... you make the rest of the beautiful things in this world cry for even trying at all. You make it hard for me to breathe.

Wow! What a fantastic story!

It’s books like Poughkeepsie that make me rethink who really owns the publishing stage now-a-days. There seems to be more and more hidden gems either being self-published or picked up by the smaller houses that are starting to cause a major shift in the reading world. I’ll be honest, I’ve never heard of Omnific Publishing and still after reading this awesome book, don’t know much about them, but what I will tell you, it’s stories like this that give more credibility in my opinion to those authors that choose (either by default or otherwise) to go the non-traditional route in getting their works out to readers. I’m more inclined now, than I’ve ever been, to try a book that doesn’t have the big marketing dollars and well known publishing machines behind them. Great job Debra Anastasia for proving to readers such as myself that awesome stories don’t need to be branded with the likes of The Publisher Elite to show it’s a story worth my attention.

Well, now that I've got that out of the way, let me tell you a little bit about what I experienced in this pretty awesome book.

In Poughkeepsie you take a journey with a cast of characters that equally resonated to me through their unique voices and command of their stage. These six main characters are so well defined by their presence, and each of them made such an impact with me that I couldn’t stop but listen to their story and feel their emotions.

We get to meet three brothers, including Blake (the homeless musician), Beckett (the gangster), and Cole (the priest’s assistant) that grew up together in the foster care system. These three brothers are both banded and branded (by a symbolic tattoo) in their commitment to each other, as evidence in the book cover, where you’ll notice the arm is a tattoo of a music symbol, a knife and a cross. Each of those represents what the brothers mean to each other and what they’re willing to do for their survival. There’s so much symbolism in this book that I actually waited a couple of days to write this review so it could all sink in. It was awesome to experience what these brothers meant to one another. Beckett has spent his years after leaving the foster system making the world safer for Blake and Cole by means of force and power as a gang leader, Cole is in constant struggle for their ‘salvation’ as they had to commit some crimes in the name of survival, and Blake the main protag of this novel strives to bring hope through his music so his brothers can stop and reflect the beauty that’s hidden in the world they live.

When the story commences, we meet Livia who is special in her own right as she takes the time to do something that many of us would never think twice to consider. She stops and smiles at a homeless guy and gives him the time of day. Now mind you, I'm probably hesitant do that, but I can’t help but consider how that can change someone's day if you took the time to acknowledge them and not look through them. It can be just any ordinary person that crosses our path on a daily basis. What would that mean to someone to have you smile at them and offer a kind word? Would it pick up someone’s spirits? Change the outlook of their day? Well for Blake, it changed his life and alongside Livia’s as well.

There was so much happening in this story, that for the first 100 pages I was having a hard time wrapping my arms around everything, but there was a moment of revelation that occurred where everything started to make sense and there was no way in hell I wasn’t going to see this journey to the finish line.

The language in this novel is sharp and at times shocking, especially when Beckett and Kyle enter the scene. The stuff that came out of their mouth had me both cringing and guffawing at the same time. I’m prone of the first, but seldom the latter and when done simultaneously, you know I’m being entertained.

Poughkeepsie is unique, powerful and profound all in one punch. If you doubt my opinion, take a look at some of the current reviews (see below) and my fellow readers/reviewers of this book can further attest to the impact of this story. Well done Debra Anastasia. You caught my attention... hard...

Favorite Blake quote:
'Hello beautiful,' Blake answers.
How did you know it was me? Livia responded
The phone looked sexier when it rang, said Blake.
~smiles~

Favorite shocking Eve quote:
I can rip your heart out of your chest and take a bite while it's still beating. I can kill your body before your brain dies. Am I pretty now, motherf#cker?
O.O


If you're still not certain whether you want to read this book, take a look at this trailer and this review to help you make your decision. Please, check it out! = }

[Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick review:

Cover: It’s fitting
Rating: NC-17
Steaminess: Slow Burn
Thumbs Up: 4.5
Overall: Wonderful story
Characters: Rich, colorful and well thought out
Plot: A crafted tale that mixed more than one life together.
Page Turner: Absolutely
Series Cont.? N/A
Recommend: Highly
Book Boyfriend: Blake

SUMMARY (50 words or less)

This book has been recommended to me long ago. And I regret the wait. This was a delightful heartstings pulling tale that warmed me. It’s a story of selflessness told through many points of view. The kind of story that makes you think and want to be a better person.

To see my full review and yummy pic, check out my blog post below.

http://mybookboyfriend.blogspot.com/2...

So I had the opportunity to post this review on my group blog site. Torn between two yummy pics, I posted the second pic with this blog post. Check it out.

http://passionatebookdivas.com/?p=2072

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoiler Free Review
4 STARS
Genre: Adult Romance-Suspenseful
I own a signed copy

This book has True Grit!!!

This bk get's 4 1/2 stars i enjoyed it very much!
Poughkeepsie was far far from what i was expecting. You see the bk summary is just a small glimmer of what you get out of this story. I thought i was gonna read a romance of how Livia a Psychology grad student falls for a homeless youngman named Blake at a train station but what i got was much much more. I will need to tell you all how the story is presented/written first to give you an understanding real quick.

The story is told in Third Person Omniscient and it not only tells the story of the main Hero and Heroine but their close love ones as well as a few others. Which at sometimes made the story feel a little bit dragged out but provided the insight of character backgrounds to help us/me the reader gain a better understanding of the characters actions and choices. So, by telling the story in this manner it allows all the characters pov's to be seen and thoughts heard to the reader.

As i previously stated this book tells the story of not only Livia(h)and Blake(H)but Livia's sister Kyle and Blake's brothers Beckett and Cole. Though Blake,Beckett and Cole are not blood brothers they met and grew to love eachother in a foster home they shared. Blake is THE most chivalrous male character i have ever read he is loving, caring, thoughtful and shows pride tho homeless. Livia is also loving,kind,thoughtful with a courageous heart. Beckett is a known thug his rap sheet includes everything and all things against the law the guy is a pimp, murderer, drug dealer ect. But his heart is in the right place when it comes to his brothers and his love for them is strong and never wavers. Cole is a soon to be Preist he is trying to atone for his sins as well as his thugged out brothers sins. Beckett. Kyle Livia's younger sister is fun,vivacious and tends to sleep around. I should add that Kyle and Beckett both have a VERY potty mouths.

Eve, Mouse, Chris, Dave and others all have a small role that b/comes interwoven into eacother, and in the end brings this story full circle. Poughkeepsie is a tale of love on many different fronts, it also gives you the strength of a woman, the faith of a man, the pain from a few past, a punk in disguise as a good boyfriend, a women broken yet determined, a soul lost and bound for hell, a friend loved like a brother, a sister searching for love in all the wrong places and a cop who's also a father who's love is unconditional.

My Ratings
Characters- Very Lovable
Writing Style- Unique, Witty, and Strong
Plot/Storyline- Good
Overall- Awesome Read I loved it

[Gwennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would I do without Goodreads! What would I do without my Goodreads friends who drop these amazing gems into my lap?!

Poughkeepsie was EVERYTHING. If you are looking for something that will make you cry, read Poughkeepsie. If you are looking for some of the most amazing romance you can find, read Poughkeepsie. If you are looking for an adrenaline pumping thrill read, FRICKING read Poughkeepsie!!

There wasn't a male character in this book that I didn't fall madly in love with. There wasn't a female character in this book that I didn't admire... This book had 7 of the most profound (even in odd ways, see Beckett) characters... Blake with his cardboard piano and glass skin, gosh he just made me ache for loving him. Beckett's dimples and bad mouth, Cole's controlled demeanor hiding his tortured past... and Mouse, oh god, how Mouse completely snuck up on me.

Then, the way the story was constructed, as each new POV was added to make the story more rounded was just brilliant. First it was just Livia and Blake, then it was Livia, Blake and Cole and Kyle, then it was Livia and Blake, Cole and Kyle, Beckett and Eve... then you add Mouse, and just keeps going and going, weaving all these amazing characters. And the story, first it was just romance and then that little snowball just got bigger and bigger until you were barely holding on as the ride got more and more intense.

I have quite a few of favorite books marked on Goodreads. But of those, there are only a handful that made me feel this way when I was reading them. They make me feel every single type of emotion, they make me feel exhausted and worn out... they make it so that for days afterwards I'm ruined for anything else.

Debra Anastasia is one more author that Goodreads has led me to discover who just doesn't get enough recognition. People should know this author. I've been permanently affected. I must own this in print.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started out as a 5 star read for me, then about halfway through, the book took a turn that annoyed me, but it still held my interest, so I kept going. Then it just got ridiculous, and very violent. I have no qualms about reading about violence, but it didn’t belong in this book, not to the level it was taken. Over the top is an understatement. Icing on the cake, and not in a good way…family coming out of the woodwork, and I won’t say any more than that about it. I started out reading a sweet, charming, albeit unconventional romance, then I felt like I had the script in my hands for a Quentin Tarantino movie starring Angelina Jolie with some daytime soap opera mixed in. TOO MUCH!! Simple would have been better.

The heart of the story deals with the issue of being homeless, the stigma attached to it, and how people perceive those who are. Beat them when they’re down, is all too often the mentality we have when we come across someone who’s dealing with these circumstances. In Blake’s’ case he was set loose by the foster care system due to “ageing out”. He was pushed out onto the streets with no resources to care for himself, very sad, but all too often, very true. He meets Livia, and a lovely friendship and romance ensues. We meet a slew of unique and wonderful characters who take front and center in the story. Among those are Cole and Beckett, Blake’s brothers, foster care siblings who have forged their own family together. Cole was wonderful, but Beckett was hysterical. He is a nightmare citizen, very, very bad, but when it comes to those he cares about, he is one big softie. He says some of the raunchiest, most disgusting things that are totally unexpected and so funny. Sometimes they are said with love and endearment, if you can imagine that, but they are Beckett through and through. Kyle, Livia’s crazy, wild sister was a surprising treasure too. Together with Beckett, they had me rolling on the floor I was laughing so hard. Mouse, I loved him, just a delight.

The author did a wonderful job of having the reader connect to these characters. The story transitions easily from present to past, giving you the history of their circumstances, what came before and brought them to where they are now. Not pretty, but necessary for you to understand what drives them, or in Blake’s case, how he came to be at the train station, and why he feels that he is so unworthy of love. I wanted to rescue him myself.

I’m in the minority when rating this book, but I can’t help how I feel. Debra Anastasia is definitely a talent, with tremendous potential. Her writing is smooth, the dialogue fits the characters, and she is very imaginative, but in this case she got carried away. From my understanding this story was posted on the Fan Fiction website and then published because of its popularity. It’s unfortunate that her publishing company didn’t allow an editor to step in, direct her focus back to the original story, and publish what could have been a true gem. For some reason the length of the book was more important to them than the quality!

[Sofija · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should have listened to my friends when they advised me against reading “Poughkeepsie”. But I was interested in the idea of a girl falling for a homeless guy, so I decided to read it anyway.
From the beginning I was overwhelmed with the cheesy lines. Livia behaved like and adolescent and Blake didn’t stir up any emotions except for pity. It is said that from hate to love is only one step, but I think that for women from pity to love is 1/3 of this step. It’s in our DNA for some bizarre reason. So I understand why Livia fallen for him. But for me it was still hard to get into their relationship. I have certain image in my mind of the homeless people. Instead of seeing this:





I kept seeing this:





So every time Livia kissed the guy instead of thinking “It’s so romantic!” I thought: “Yack! It’s so insanitary!”.

"She put a sweet kiss in the center of his palm"

He is homeless!!! How often does she think he washes his hands?

I also kept wondering why Blake couldn’t find a work. Yes, he has problems with being in the sun, but there are a lot of works that need to be done at night. So apparently he doesn’t want to work which means that he is ether lazy or given up on life, which make him weak and not attractive as main male protagonist.

And I didn’t like Livia too. Author was trying so hard to make her look ideal and to show us that her moral principles are so much better that other people because she helped homeless guy while they ignored him. But sometimes she was just mean. For example:

Another commuter stepped out from behind Livia and asked, “Is this piece of trash bothering you, lady?” Livia suppressed the need to punch the guy in the stomach.

This guy tried to help her because he was concerned for her safety and she acted so ungrateful.
Or when she talks to her boyfriend and humiliates him and generally treats him like dirt.

“Nope. Dave’s right. I kissed another man. And he kissed the hell out of me. I think I’m still aroused from the whole incident.” Livia watched rage crawl up Chris’s arms and tense his face.

Yes, she is such sensitive and compassionate person.

The boyfriend is not an angel himself, but she didn’t know it at the time. And while she thought some mean stuff about him I wondered why did she dated him then? She accepted his marriage proposal knowing that she wouldn’t marry him. She also threw away her engagement ring. He did by this ring even if there was a fake diamond. Livia could returned it back to him or not accept it in the first place.

And then suddenly the POVs attack started. There were three friends, their three love interests and plus evil ex-boyfriend and so total seven POVs. It was like reading three different books being reshuffled all the time.

But the main drawback was that the writing was so melodramatic and exaggerating. The ex-boyfriend is SUPER MEGA DUCHEBAG. He is sleeping with other girls, he has lame friends, loves his car more than anything. His work is to kill defenseless deers by shooting them in the head and he likes it. He literally wet his pants once when being threatened by a girl.
One of the Blake friends is SUPER MEGA GANGSTER. He uses drugs, kills people right and left, his residency is in some abandon house in the worst neighborhood, and he controls the quality of hookers himself with some help of Viagra. But despite all this he has a gentle soul.

And the same is with all the other characters. Entire book is an overstatement. And because of this, characters seems two dimensional and a little bit caricaturistic.

I’ve read the half of it before I understand that this book and I wasn't meant for each other.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

"You make the rest of the beautiful things in the world cry for even trying at all. You make it hard for me to breathe.”

This book has been on my TBR for such a long time and for some reason I kept putting it off, but I'm so glad I finally decided to pick it up. It was such a BEAUTIFUL and exceptionally original story. Blake was adorable and sweet and I just wanted to give him a hug and Livia was a very strong, admirable heroine. Aside from them I also loved the other brothers Cole and Beckett, Livia's sister Kyle and Eve. They made the story even better and more fun to read.

Moving on to bad-ass Beckett's story right away! ;)

[Kellie Maddox-Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

"He counts. You've smiled at him four hundred and forty six times as of a few minutes ago. He announces the number every time I see him." - Cole

What a FAN-FUCKING-TASTIC read.
Seriously I don't think I can describe how much I loved this book. I literally devoured it!

Who knew that all it would take is a smile and you can change someone life?
The characters.. Phenomenal!
The brotherhood between the 3 boys... Amazing
The story... Exceptional
The relationship between the 6 main characters?!... Beautiful
The love between Blake and Livia.... Electrifying!

Livia catches the train everyday to school. Everyday she makes sure to smile at the others on the platform. She always smiles at the homeless man sitting in the shadows as well. She calls him "Green Eyes." One morning while waiting for the train a group of teens start to pick on him. She stands up for him and shoo's them away.
That's the first time they talk.
She realizes he's beautiful and they make introductions.
The story is whirlwind from there.


Cole, Blake and Beckett are brothers. Not by blood, but that doesn't matter they are brothers in the only way that matters their hearts.
Cole is going to become a priest.
Beckett is lord of the crime world.
Blake is homeless.
These brothers would do ANYTHING for each other.

Livia and Kyle are sisters. Complete opposites.
Eve well she has a back story that you need to read to know about, as I'm not spoiling it.

These 6 characters makes up this beautiful book. I will also mention Mouse as well. He is not part of the foster care relationship with Blake, Cole and Beckett but he does play a big role.
Their relationships are tried and tested. Hearts laid on the line. Bad things done. Horrible things are done.Good things done. Great things done.
It does have a dark side though. The second half of the book does get very dark but I still loved it.

I loved all the endings that everyone got, I would of liked to know a bit more about Beckett's but I'm not complaining.

Sometimes the things that Beckett and Kyle said were hilarious! so it broke up some of the darkness of this emotional read.

I really am glad that I read this book. A few GR friends have read this and didn't like it and as we have the same tastes I was a bit worried about it, but still decided to read it anyway. I've never been so happy. Seriously think this is my new Favorite book!

Some of my favorite parts were-

"I can't leave." Green Eyes took a huge breath. "This is the only place where I get to see you." -Blake
.................
"Do you have to park on the lawn every time?" Cole asked.
"The government's beating us down, it all begins with those goddamn lines in the parking lot. Set yourself free, my brother. If you see a line, ignore it." -Beckett
.................
"Livia, you make the rest of the beautiful things in the world cry for even trying at all. You make it hard for me to breathe." - Blake
.................
Eve had just fucked his mind so hard, he wanted to smoke a cigarette and cuddle like some soap watching woman. - Beckett
.................
"Correction- my pussy smells like a monkey that got fucked by a dirty gorilla. Did I shower last night?" - Kyle
................
"Hey, monkey pussy, you might want to give those meat curtains a spit shine before you leave the house." Mouse pointed to Kyle's crotch with a knitting needle. Mouse looked around in the stunned silence. "What? I knit, but I'm still hardcore.Seriously."
Kyle swore-muttered something about "talking about my dick mitten in the middle of my own goddamn kitchen," and stomped upstairs.
................
"I'm pissing straight alcohol," Kyle informed from above. "Still peeing...still peeing...Oh GOD, I'm bladdertastic!" - Kyle
................
"We don't wear rings because we like to fuck other people too." The geriatric nurse blushed deeply as Beckett gave her a once over. "Don't be shy, baby, I'm not afraid of Senior lovin'." - Beckett
................
"Holy fucking dogs! You scared the uterus out of me!" - Kyle
................
"Beckett is all sorts of bad because of what he does, but who he is- that's very beautiful." - Livia
...............
"Beckett is probably the hardest person there is to love, he does life wrong for all the right reasons." - Blake
..............
"Everytime I think i couldn't love you a bit more, you stretch my heart again" - Livia
..............
"Blake, Cole and I have been family for each other, because the ones we started with were for crap. Why they let me in, I still don't know. But because they did, I believed I was worth more than I would otherwise."
"Blake's company made me want to hug trees and hear music. Cole's company made me want to try harder to be a better person. I never imagined that anyone could love either of these men enough for me to let them go."
"But I didn't know the McHugh girls. Their love is fiercer than guns. More powerful than fistfuls of money. I can walk away because of them." Beckett held his glass high. "To my brothers. They have finally gotton the lives they deserve."

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know where to start with this review. I suppose I will start by saying that I loved every page, every word in this story. It ticked all of my boxes for what I enjoy in an entertaining story. It had romance, sex,violence,humor,frienship,loyalty,and the biggest theme; family. When I began this book, I expected a love story about a homeless boy named Blake Hartt, and a girl from a middle class family that comes across Blake on her way to school each day at the underground train station:Livia McHugh. Don't get me wrong, this book WAS about their beautiful journey into falling in love; but it was so much MORE than their own journey. It turns out that Blake has a very traumatizing past, and his experiences weren't lived through alone. In foster care, Blake had two foster brothers who became so much more than brothers. They united,bonded, and instead of living through the pain and despair on their own; they shared the burden of their troubles and developed an unbreakable bond that would last forever. The relationship between Blake, Cole, and Beckett intrigued me, and touched me so much that I was captivated by this unconventional trio.

The three foster brothers play a big part in this story, in fact the book includes all of them. So not only is Poughskeepie about Blake and Livia, but about Cole and Beckett too. They add so much more to this tale, I feel that readers should know that this book is about six characters instead of two. It will not disappoint though, and I fell in love with both of them too. Well, I will be honest and say that Beckett stole a special corner of my heart. He is not your typical hero..he is a drug dealer,pimp, and murderer; but before you judge him..believe me he had his reasons and the biggest thing about Beckett is he protects the ones he loves. In this case, he would do anything for his brothers, and believe me he has.

In addition to the bros..we get Kyle, who is Livia's sister...and I must say that she is friggin hilarious!!! She brings so much humor to this story; but don't let her fool you, as she too is suffering on the inside. In order not to feel her emotional pain, she tends to sleep around with any guy that will have her. She is very self destructive, and I can't help but think of a train wreck when I think of her. What happens though when Kyle lays her eyes on a handsome young man training to become a priest in the church? Cole is a kind soul, trying to follow the right path and put his past sins to rest. When these two troubled souls come together sparks fly; but nothing should come of it...after all..isn't Cole becoming a priest???

This is all just a brief taste of what you get in this action packed book. Expect to be highlighting a great deal of sentences because there is just so many profound words written by Debra Anastasia. This is an author who I think is brilliant, and I will be an avid follower after reading about Poughskeepie.
One big warning I will give about this book though, is basically -expect the unexpected. This isn't the most "realistic" story on the planet..but I overlooked that and just hopped along for the bumpiest ride of my life. I tried hard not to judge, and just went with how the circumstances made me feel. Also, Beckett is extremely protective over those he loves, and he will do things that most would not approve of. When you look beneath his surface though he is absolutely the kindnest soul of everyone, and it made me truly not want to think anything bad about him..

I highly recommend this story to anyone who likes a lot of drama, and just an all out fast paced book. One thing I hadn't expected was that this book had some dark spots in it. It isn't all flowery, fun and games..there is content in it that is disturbing and hard to swallow...Be prepared...but I will say that the darkness is worth it!!!

Thank you to my Buddy's once again for a great read! Steph,Kelly,and Shanna; I always seem to enjoy my books way better when we have our group reads!!! I can't wait for the next one! Hugs ladies♥

[Vanessa Booked Up · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 Magical Stars!!!

Fave book of January 2014!

Would you ever give a homeless person a chance? Not a dollar, or a meal....a chance. Would you? Would you ever look at them an equal? Well, Livia does just that. She sees Blake every day and smiles at him like she would anyone else. She doesn't realize that these mere smiles are the peak of his day. Poughkeepsie is an amazing story about appearances not being what they seem, about life, about struggle, love, and pain. Blake is troubled and might be perceived as ugly on the outside, because of his current state. However, Chris, Livia's current boyfriend is beautiful on the outside but is disgusting on the inside. But no one around her sees these things. They only see what's on the surface. Blake and Livia meet and form a friendship that slowly begins to evolve into more, until they fall madly, passionately, soul-changingly in love with each other.

"You let me touch you. Kiss you. Your skin? It feels like piano keys. My hands know just where to go." ~Blake

"I feel like I've always loved him, and now I just got lucky enough to find him." ~Livia

Man oh man! What to say.... I have really been putting off writing this review because there is no way that my words will even come close to doing this book justice. I beyond loved it! This was a game changer, the bar raiser, I fell in love with the words, the characters, and the beautiful story.

I have read some pretty great books lately, but Poughkeepsie is one of those books that is just, in a league of its own!

I had heard that the story was a love story about a homeless man who forms a relationship with a kind girl that he meets at the train station. The blurb captured me instantly, and it would have been enough. But in actuality, this story is about soooo much more! It's really about three blood brothers with less than fortunate childhoods, who met in foster care and made a pact. They knew they couldn't trust their surroundings, but they could trust each other. They are all that they have. And they each find a different way to deal with their circumstances.

Blake is one of the brothers, and the book is mainly about him, however, the stories of his two brothers Cole and Beckett are very tightly intertwined into the book. So you do have multiple story lines going on at once. I read some reviews where people felt that there were too many story lines going on and that it left them not being able to connect to the main characters. I really couldn't disagree more. Each of the stories are beautifully written and absolutely kept me captivated the entire time. And in the end, all of the story lines come together beautifully.

Now, let's talk about the writing. This was the first time I read Debra Anastasia's writing and let me tell you...WOW!! Her prose honestly reminds me of Sylvain Reynard's who is my GOD, in case you are not aware!! It has an almost poetic quality to it. She builds characters with such humanity that you feel like you can reach out and touch them. Her words have such a beautiful tenderness to them that by about 8% into this book, I felt 100% invested!!

That's really all there is to say. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It has now become one of my very favorite series and I cannot wait for more!!

Castings:





“He kept his head down in what seemed to be a prayer. “He counts. You've smiled at him four hundred and forty-six times as of a few minutes ago. He announces the number every time I see him.” ~Cole

[Kajal Nehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

"Blake doesn't ask her for money. He doesn't know her name. All he wants to do is... count her smiles."

The book was all the things I wanted to read. I can't be any happier to say that I'm glad I picked it up. I saw the trailer video first and just halfway through the video I was teary-eyed! :P
Poughkeepsie is surely one of my favorites, because:

- It is a very unique novel. There are books which follow the same old story line and just change the characters, but Poughkeepsie was something very new that I just fell in love with.

- Blake is the perfect example for a gentleman, and I don't know but I'm a little biased when it comes to gentlemen. Not my fault, there just aren't enough chivalrous men anymore! :D

- Beckett, oh Beckett! God where do I start? He is the perfect bastard! The best. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't just fall in love with him. *faints*
He was like a mother trying to protect her children from all the harms that could come to them. Like a protective father, he could kick anyone's ass who ever dreamed of harming his brothers. The way he loved Livia and Kyle, and how selflessly he left Eve just so she could spread her wings, takes me on a crying spree again and again. I have utmost respect for this fucker!
He fucking ruled the book!

- Livia is the bravest woman I've ever seen :) I loved her character and personality more than any of the other female protagonists I've ever loved.

- John. He is the best father I could imagine. Not those fake ones we see in our books these days, but a very real one! Maybe because even my father is a single parent to me I can understand and relate to him better, but either way, he gained my respect in every fatherly aspect.

- Kyle I can most relate to, I guess. When I read about her, it was like I was reading about myself. Not the parts where she goes on fucking guys and all, but except that all those other parts. I mean it: each and every scene. Even her story superimposes mine so perfectly that I cry every time I think about it. I just hope my story also ends just as beautifully as hers did.

- Mouse was one character who made me laugh a lot. All the squeaky voice and body-builder physique. :D But after I read his story, it sucks so bad that Debra did what she did to him! :'( I'm putting all the blame on you, Debra. Because you know that it wasn't fair! :'(

- Chris, was the worst motherfucker I've ever seen! God, I'm so proud of Debra and Beckett that they killed him! GO BECKETT! GO DEBRA! Wohooo! ;D

- Eve rocked big time! I'd love to learn all those things she can do. Someday. :P

- Thanks to Becektt I now know like a dozen new swear words! God, Debra I love you and your creativity! *salutes*

- And lastly, this book introduced me to Ron Pope!!! Wow. I'm a fan now. I simply fell in love with his music. :')

Don't get me wrong, it was everything a 5-starer should be, BUT my boy didn't get his Happily Ever After, and so I have all the rights to deduct half-a-star for that. :'(

Note to author: We want a novella! A Beckett and Eve's happily ever after. Please? Otherwise I'll cry. Seriously. :'( :'(
After everything that he did, he sure as fucking hell doesn't deserve a hanging/unknown ending. This is not done.

POUGHKEEPSIE TOOK MY BREATH AWAY! IT IS SURELY ONE OF MY BEST READS FOR 2012! I know its kinda early to say that, but try all that you can but you can't make me say that its not one of my favorites! I bet ya! ;) :D

Go go go! Wait no more, because you're missing out on such a BEAUTIFUL, WONDERFUL, UNIQUE, HEART-TOUCHING, AROUSING (and lord everything else!) book! :))

[Margarida · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wow...not at all what I was expecting. I mean this in a bad way, obviously. Not a thing in this book seemed realistic to me. The characters weren't complex, instead they were predictable, silly, unlikeable and everything about them screamed "stereotype me". It's a pity, because I really wanted to like this book. I heard so many wonderful things about it. Now the only thing that's crossing my mind is how can people find this beautiful, romantic and well-written? It's cheesy, creepy and lacks depth, complexity and passion. Anyway, awesome that you liked, really. Not criticizing anyone here, just sharing my opinion.

Back to my review...I didn't really felt any love between them, it all seemed so sudden and the chemistry between the two was non-existant. They were so boring together and maybe I missed something, but Livia seemed to all of a sudden realize she was in love with Blake. And she kissed him. While she still dated Chris. Where are your morals now, huh? Not so perfect anymore now are you? Why the heck did Livia date Chris for years, in the first place, if she didn't felt annything towards him? In fact, it seemed she truly despised him. He used to talk to his friends about her, in her presence, saying 'her face is nothing special but the ass is rockin' (or something like this). LOL. You need more self-respect, Livia!

I'm pretty pissed off that she's a psychology major btw...being one myself, I never would've dealt with Blake the way she did. Maybe she's just too stupid. Let's start with the fact that he's a complete stranger and she still hands him her car keys. I mean, who lets a homeless stranger man lead them to their car, at night, and actually hands him the keys? I know I wouldn't. She doesn't know him and he's homeless. As hot as the guy is, he's homeless and a stranger. She doesn't know a thing about him.


Blake was as annoying as Livia, really, if not more. Oay, I didn't read the whole book (I tried, hoping that it would get better, but when it only got worse, I decided to stop) but the guy was a total jerk and extremly proud. Let's be honest here, what homeless super-hungry guy wouldn't accept food because he thought he didn't 'earn' it? Seriously? Someone is kindly offering him food and he rejects, saying that he would only eat the damn sandwich if Livia offered one to the other people around them, waiting for the train (more than 50 people). And you know what? She does that the next day! LOL. She gives a sandwich to more than 50 people so Blake accepts one too. This happens a little after they talk for the first time, and as I read this stupidity I got the feeling that maybe this book wasn't for me, but I decided to give it a chance, anyway.

Kyle has mommy issues (cliche?) and her first meeting with Cole was so...I don't even have a word for it. LOL. WTH.

So, so disappointed with this book. I really thought I'd like it after the inumerous people who recc'd it to me while it still was a twilight fanfiction. :( It's full of clichés and cheesy/lame phrases that made me throw up a little in my mouth. And it lack one very important thing in romance books: passions, intensity, chemistry. I felt like they were two boring people who claimed to be in love but didn't know a thing about what that means. The author should've edited and improved her work, it seems underworked and full of faults to me.

[KristenReviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Poughkeepsie is a beautiful and touching love story with wonderfully developed and endearing characters. Unfortunately, horrible editing or complete lack of editing reduced what could have been an amazing book into a mediocre book at best.

[Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this mother-effin book 5++ stars...like for real! LOL.

I'm not sure how to accurately review this book. Lets begin with, I LOVED IT!!!. Its such a rare treat to find a story that not only has you in tears, but also makes you giggle and laugh at the same time. This book had it all. Tons and tons of drama, heartache, laughter, violence, and lets not forget the explicit banter. Having a sailor mouth myself, I ate it all up and loved every minute of it. I felt the language just added more hidden beauty to the story. In addition to the multitude of explicit language, there were also plenty of gentleman-like talk to balance it all out. The story needed this balance, simply because the characters wouldn't have been the same without it. Speaking of characters, this story had a fantastic cast of characters, I adored all of them. They made me get absorbed in their story. We had the brothers, which consisted of Blake, Beckett and Cole, though towards the end, included Mouse :) Then there are the heroines: Livia & Kyle McHugh and Eve.

<<>>

Blake & Livia: The story ultimately revolves around this couple. Blake is first and foremost a gentleman. He is sweet, kind, & romantic. However, Blake is homeless and constantly struggles with his past wrongs. Livia is kind and believes everyone deserves a smile. Blake is captivated when Livia first smiles at him at the train station, his home. Ever since that first smile, he's been counting her smiles. Blake makes sure he is always there to receive Livia's smiles, before she boards the train and after she disembarks for the evening. The story of smile number two hundred and eighty six made me cry (you just have to read it to find out why). There are many roadblocks this couple has to go through to get their HEA, but it made for wonderful reading.

Beckett & Eve: This story could not be what it is without Beckett. I adore Beckett. Beckett knowingly sold his soul to the devil to make his brothers' lives easier. Beckett is a beautiful soul, though its far from obvious. He's a foul-mouthed gangster. He's a big-time pimp & drug dealer. He does everything for his brothers. Blake, Beckett and Cole aren't related by blood, but the three are deeply connected to each other and are bonded by their horrible foster care experience. If you mess with his brothers, you will feel his wrath. Eve works for Beckett as his stealthy assassin. Beckett realizes that Eve's initial plan was to kill Beckett himself. Beckett unknowingly starts a series of misfortunes that ultimately resulted in Eve loosing her fiance and unborn baby. Though she's out for revenge, she just can't seal the deal, no matter how many times the opportunity presented itself. She finds herself falling for Beckett and vice versa. But is loving Beckett enough? And can Beckett live with her decision?

Cole & Kyle: Cole is a man of faith. Though he isn't a full pledged priest, he aspires to be one. He keeps his brothers grounded. He wants to save them. Kyle is Livia's baby sister. They are extremely close. Their banter borders on hilarity at times. She is hilarious. Her foul-mouth can give Beckett a run for his money. The things that come out of her mouth had me laughing. I love Kyle. However, Kyle has multiple issues, mostly involving her mother. She tries to placate her problems by sleeping around. While speaking with Livia, Kyle explained her need to sleep around and why Cole is different:

"Do you know how many guys I've been with?" Kyle asked, meeting her eyes for just a moment. "So many. You know why? Because in that moment, just before you let them f*** you, you're the center of their universe. It lasts just seconds, but I like that feeling. I crave that feeling."
"This morning-last night? Whenever it was, standing in the church in front of him? I had that feeling. I was the center of his universe. And we had all our clothes on. That feeling lasted for hours."

Ying and Yang. It was a great sub-plot reading about these two.

Mouse: I just have to mention Mouse, because why not? I LOVE Mouse. He works as muscle for Beckett. He is big, he's bad, he's smart and fiercely loyal to Beckett. The kicker, he loves to knit. He was even knitting ski masks for their next bank job. I simply loved it. He made me laugh and he definitely made me cry. Love you Mouse :)

I apologize for the lengthy review, but it just had to be done. I'm sure I still missed a lot of what I wanted to say, but no matter what, I just can't do this book any justice. It was a wonderfully written story and I give HUGE props to the fabulous author for sharing it. I HIGHLY recommend!

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[Ezi Chinny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought this book would never end. It just didn't hold my attention. I am glad I tried it but I'm not sure I can make it through book 2

[Mimi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed. I was so excited to read this book because the subject was so unique. And for the first third to the first half of the book, I was enthralled. I loved it. Sure, it could be a tad melodramatic at times, but the arc was solid, the writing was good, and I loved the main characters - Livia and Blake. They were believable, and I was really looking forward to watching their romance play out and see them overcome whatever conflicts came their way.

Then somewhere about a third of the way through, the plot just collapsed. Completely and utterly. It became a complete mess of several different plot-lines, many of which had nothing to do with the supposed main characters, and none of which I cared about. It became way too difficult to follow. Secondary characters suddenly became primary, and we were introduced to the excruciatingly detailed, in-depth character histories of people who... I guess we were supposed to really care about...?.... But I didn't. This book just didn't know what it wanted to be, and it was trying desperately to be everything at once - and failing at all of it.

I kept wondering 'What happened to this book?' Because at that point it ceased to feel like a book, and started to read more like scenes from a TV show that blends The OC, Dawson's Creek, and Miami Vice. WTF??

Plus, the melodrama ramped up to epic proportions. It was very cheesy in parts, and very unrealistic.

Such an enigma, because the second half of the book almost bears no resemblance to the first.

The writing was good. Although, as I stated, a bit too detailed when it came to insignificant characters and inconsequential events.

[J.m. Darhower · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie, Poughkeepsie... Oh, Poughkeepsie...

What do I say about you?

It took me awhile to finish this, only because people kept STEALING MY COPY. I've wanted to read it for a long time because I heard nothing but wonderful things, and Poughkeepsie certainly didn't disappoint. Blake's character tugged at my heart strings, him and Livia's relationship wholesome and sweet. It was hopeful, yet heartbreaking... certainly proves the point that you can't judge a book by its cover.

Without a doubt, Beckett stole the show. I would kill for an entire Beckett book. I loved him and Eve's storyline. I won't give it away, but needless to say, I was a little stunned by their twist. Love it.

Poughkeepsie is a long book but well worth the read. The end was a little too "wrapped up in a bow" for me, but that's just personal preference. I like open endedness, a little continued chaos with a not-so-happily ever after sometimes. But the ending was fitting for the characters.

Very much looking forward to the sequel.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Updated 10/9/12: I would like to point out that I read and reviewed this book in late 2011, upon its publication before the mass exodus of Twilight fanfics into publication as 'original' fiction. My opinion in regards to P2P has since changed and I no longer condone nor support the practice, no matter how much I loved the fanfic from where it came.

I have shelved this as rewritten fanfiction. I read the original fic online when it was Edward and Bella, and Jasper and Alice, and Emmett and Rosalie.

I loved it back then.

When the author pulled it, I felt as if I had lost someone near and dear to my heart.

When she announced that it was being reworked to be published, I waited patiently until that day came.

And then I read it again.

I love it now.

This is essentially the same story, with a lot of editing and tightening up and giving new names to the characters, but the parts that captured my heart back then are all still within.

At its heart, it's a love story between a homeless man and a strong, brave woman, a love story between a man lost in his delusion and invisible to the world and the woman who sees him .

At its soul, it is way more than that. It's about friendship, redemption, loyalty, trust, family (be it blood-related or not) and, above all, the saving grace of love.

Love never fails. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians tells us that, and I loved how the author used that well-known tidbit from the bible in her story. It may sound cliched to someone who hasn't read this story, but it feels to me as if the author took that letter from Paul, transferred it into modern times and wrote her story around it.

Upon first opening the book, we are introduced to Livia McHugh, a college student who rides the train every morning from Poughkeepsie to the big city to attend her studies in psychology. She has a long-time boyfriend, and a smile for everyone who's waiting with her at the station, including the young, homeless man that everyone ignores and who lingers in the shadows by the station's platform.

Blake Hartt watches Livia from afar and counts her smiles every day, knowing that he'll never be with a girl like her since he has nothing to offer. He's too proud to accept charity and too broken from the mistreatment by his late mother to find his way out of homelessness into a 'normal' life. It is enough for him to know that Livia truly sees him - and he is rewarded with her smile every morning, and every night when she returns home.

Then one morning, a group of teenage boys accosts Blake with taunts and threats of violence. Livia is compelled to step between them, and getting them to leave Blake alone. He in turn is shocked but grateful that this young woman would come to his defense, and thus begins a friendship and then a love story that will make you laugh and cry and hug these characters to your chest, just to keep them safe. And at the end of the book, when you've followed their story all the way to its culmination, you feel as if you've been part of something amazing.

Blake Hartt is a very interesting character. He was abused and mistreated by his alcoholic mother and entered the foster care system at age 12 due to an incident that leaves him feeling guilty and thinking that his skin is made of glass and would repel anyone who'd see him in the sun. After he aged out of the system, he has no place to go. He lives in the shadows until Livia's love gives him the strength to move into the sunlight and become the man he was always meant to be. He has impeccable manners, keeps himself clean with the help of his foster brother Cole's shower, but refuses to accept anything he deems unearned. You cannot help but fall in love with this man and his quiet, proud and thoughtful demeanor.

We meet Cole and Beckett along the way, who lived in the same foster home as Blake, and upon aging out of the system, they remain brothers and do what they can to help each other. The way they go about it is as different as night and day.

Beckett becomes a criminal, doing all the wrongs things for all the right reasons, all out of love for his brothers. Cole seeks the grace of God and is working as an assistant in a small, local church.

We meet Kyle, Livia's younger sister, who took their mother's leaving them and turned it against herself, believing that she wasn't enough, that she isn't worth anything if her own mother can't love her. She is promiscuous, loud and can cuss up a storm.

We meet Eve, who has lost her fiance and her baby due to a drive-by shooting and the resulting car accident. Eve is fueled by a need for revenge against the man who ordered the shooting until she is face-to-face with him and finds that she can't kill him.

We meet John McHugh, father to Livia and Kyle, a cop, who loves his girls and only wants what's best for them.

We meet a slew of minor characters, including Dr. Ted Hartt (yes, he shares a last name with Blake though I'll leave you to read to find out why) and Mouse aka Jimmy who serves as Beckett's bodyguard and whose role in this book is pivotal to the outcome.

There are trials, misunderstandings, tribulations and setbacks, false starts and triumphs, there are moments when you want to reach into the book and shake a character into common sense, there are moments when your fist will form in your pocket because you want to hit someone who deserves it, there are moments when you fear and hold your breath, and there are moments when you cry and smile at the same time.

Debra Anastasia takes you on a wild ride, have no doubt about it.

A couple of things that might be construed as criticism:

- the past tense of speed is sped. Not speeded. The proofreader in me cringed at that.
- the cursing. It's excessive when it comes to Beckett and a little innovative when it comes to Kyle. There were a few things that she uttered that sounded...weird, for lack of a better term. I don't know anyone who talks like that, but that's just me. Kyle's curses are something else.

I particularly commend the author for really editing this story, really taking out the parts that weren't needed and thus tightening the narration and the story overall.

Other than that, I must congratulate Ms. Anastasia for delivering a book that will stay with me for a long time, and one that I will re-read again and again. It's full of her own personal quirks, infused with laughter and tears, humor and seriousness, and above all overflows with the strength of pure love.

I am honored and privileged to have been a part of this journey with you.

[Jennifer Lane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply Touching

I've been wanting to read this story for some time due to the many elements that appeal to me: healing, redemption, crime, a psychology graduate student character (Livia), a homeless character (Blake), and a story full of emotion. Wow! I got all that and more.

Livia is one of the kindest people around. She smiles at everyone, including the quiet homeless man who frequents the shadows of the Poughkeepsie train station. One morning when some thugs threaten the man Livia's come to known as "Green Eyes", Livia stands up for him. Their first words are adorable:

"You might want to find another place to sit," Livia said. "Those idiots could cook up a plan for revenge."
Instead of being the friendly advice Livia intended, her words seem to slice into him.
Why is he in such pain?
"I can't leave." Green Eyes took a huge breath. "This is the only place where I get to see you."

I fell for the sensitive soul Blake from the start, especially after learning that he counts each of Livia's smiles. His foster brother Cole explains:

"He counts. You've smiled at him four hundred and forty-six times as of a few minutes ago."

How cute is that?

Blake might have a chance with Livia because her boyfriend Chris is a total CAD. I mean, he calls psychology "the study of psychos"! Grr.

There are fantastic secondary characters in this novel:

* Livia's younger sister Kyle. What a potty mouth! Blake says "Pretty sure Kyle lacks any kind of editing mechanism". Their mother took off shortly after Kyle was born, and Kyle blames herself for not being worthy enough to make their mother stay. Kyle's low self-worth leads her to promiscuity. But perhaps she can find a love match in one of Blake's foster bros?

* Cole is Blake's foster brother who's studying to be a priest. He has a violent past he's running from.

* Beckett is a wildly colorful foster brother who aged out of the system before Cole and Blake, determined to pave the road for his brothers by committing all sorts of sins so they wouldn't have to. He's pretty much become a crime boss, with a muscled assistant named Mouse. Kyle refers to Beckett as "the human steroid." He doesn't believe in following rules, like parking in between the lines:

"I'm telling you, Cole, that's how it all gets started. The government's beating us down, and it all begins with those goddamn lines in the parking lot. Set yourself free, my brother. If you see a line, ignore it.

Eve and Mouse were also wonderful characters, along with Livia and Kyle's police officer father.

The flashbacks to the boys getting beaten by their foster dad, and the intensity between Beckett and Eve made me cry so hard.

There are also so many freaking funny lines in the story, but I won't share all the off-color words here ha ha. But one chapter title "My Penis Rules the World" gives you a good flavor! And this excerpt when Kyle berates Livia and Blake at a religious ceremony is priceless (naughty language alert!)

"Will you get your asses up here? People are waiting. I mean Beckett here has maybe a few hours before he's bent over a metal toilet getting it up the ass from a guy named Bubba. Do you want him to have fun now or not?"
The streetlight illuminated Beckett as he appeared next to Kyle. "Why would I be the bitch? I don't think that's a fair f*cking assumption."
Kyle refused to look at him and crossed her arms. "Of course you'd be the bitch. You have dimples. Bitches have dimples. And I bet your ass is soft like two pillows."

Debra, I love your screwballs sense of humor ;-) And I love even more that your story made me laugh and cry. An EXCELLENT read!

[Allison ❤️Will Never Conquer Her TBR❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four Healing Stars!


There were things I loved and things I really didn't like about this book. It's basically about three adult foster-brothers and their close bond, their scars, their battles in life after childhoods riddled with pain. Each brother gets his history and current story within this long book. That, however, was the reason for the deduction of a star. I felt I was in a maze and every chapter went in a different direction, but in the end, all the paths converge.


Blake is a homeless man, living in a train station. He suffers from delusions about an allergy to the sun, always remaining in the shadows. Livia passes by his "spot" everyday before and after work, always giving him a tender smile. She doesn't act like his not there, she notices him. He starts counting her smiles...



"But when you saw me for the first time, you actually saw me. You saw me, and then you smiled like I was just the same as everyone else on that platform."







Cole was dealt a very violent abusive childhood. He finds solace within the church. When offered a warm place to live, working as the church handyman, this appears to be a sign. He's on the path to becoming a priest...until he meets Kyle (Livia's sister). She's the other half of his soul. His path is now changed...







Beckett, the protector of the three brothers, is anything but lawful. From the days he's spent enduring horrendous abuse in foster care so his brothers don't have to, he will do ANYTHING to keep them safe. The elusive, yet scary Eve is the one woman to crack his tough exterior, entering his heart, where no woman has gone before.







***That's the premise to the series. Each man has battles to fight, love to win, happiness to be found.

I LOVED their brotherhood, their special tattoo, embrace, loyalty above all else. It broke my heart what they all went thru but quitting appears to be a no-go.

This book focuses most on Blake and Livia. He was such an endearing soul, she such a sweet heroine. Something about the man playing a fake piano keyboard on a piece of cardboard, his quirky gentleman behavior and speech draws her in. What's his story? How did he get here? How can she help his delusions of the sun harming his glass skin?

My biggest issue was the plethora of different routes the book went. This could easily be two books, almost three. I get the stories merge together but every single chapter went a different direction so I wanted to skip forward sometimes just to get resolution to the current story.

Cole and Kyle, well, that was insta-love at it's finest. Setting eyes one each other and bam, soul-mates. Not believable at all. I found myself thinking "Did they know each other before because no way can they meet and be professing their undying love, risking their lives for each other after one meeting."

Sometimes the humor within the book was...off for me. Like it didn't fit the character or the scene. Both Beckett and Kyle are the comedians in the book.

Looking forward to more about Beckett. He's the true anti-hero that the reader can't help but love. The other characters have some resolution within this book so I'm hoping Beckett is next...

[Duchess Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me start by saying that this book was not at all what I thought it would be. I expected a sappy love story, and had no problem with that. But the story evolves into a truly gripping tale of family, love and acceptance. More than anything, it brings to light that the choices you make - the choice to ridicule or bully, or the choice to turn away in apathy, may not seem huge to you. But your smile could mean so much to someone who is normally overlooked. And a helping hand could change lives.

For the first 100 pages or so, I was a bit disappointed. I felt as if the writing was juvenile, and the story was just weird. I mean, here's this homeless guy who falls in love with a girl just because she smiles at him? And she starts to fall for him, too!? There are a few scenes that seemed like a high school drama written on paper. But then...oh, then...

More players are introduced to the storyline. At first, you don't realize how much they will come to mean to you as a reader. Beckett and Cole are Blake's foster brothers from their parent-less days in the system. These boys have formed a bond nearly stronger than family. After all, you can't choose family. But they chose each other, although they are all three so very different. Through the years, their bond has become even stronger.

Livia has noticed Blake at the Poughkeepsie train station for quite some time. She's a happy woman, and also kind and caring. She doesn't realize that each time she smiles at him, he's counting those smiles, storing them up even though he's never dreamed of having more from her. One day, the two finally meet when Livia overhears some punk teenagers planning on shaming the faceless homeless man. From there, it's as if every day of their lives was lived only so the two of them would meet.

While Livia and Blake's story is the headliner, there are so many other things going on behind the scenes. Love and lust, betrayal and utter loyalty, but above all, life, and not only the utter beauty of having the ability to make your own choices but the power of affecting the choices of others. This is a story of such an unlikely group of young people, thrown together because of the love of two of them. It's so chaotic, but it also makes sense. And it proves that not all of the bad guys are all bad. Some of them just have tough choices to make.

*********************************
Please, PLEASE tell me there is a sequel to this! While the story of Blake and Livia feels resolved, there is another that left me aching. Any who have finished it knows who I mean. And I just hope so badly that the author plans to finish that story. Even a tiny novella? He/she deserves it!

EDIT:
What a ramble! I just reread my review. It doesn't even make sense to me! I'll just say this: I will remember this book. After two hundred more book plots and couples get in the way, I know I'll remember this story. It's extremely original, and an unexpected tearjerker. Beautiful story, even if you don't agree with decisions made by the characters.

[Sharon ∞❥ is an emotional book junkie ❥∞ · Rating 4 out of 5]

**4.5 stars**

Livia takes the train to work every day and smiles at everyone...even the homeless guy. One day, he is being bullied and Livia steps up to help him and her life changes from that moment on.

Wow...this book is sooo much more that I thought it would be and sooo different. Yes, it is a love story with a homeless guy but you have to give it a chance. It will be worth it.

Blake is sweet and kind and romantic but he has some problems. It's a bit scary for Livia but she follows her heart even though she has a police officer Dad. She is also tempted to help him since she is studying psychology but basically she just wants to because deep down she has already fallen for him and now just has to accept it.

Like I said, there is sooo much more going on than just a love story between Blake and Livia. We have a horrible relationship with a soon to be ex-boyfriend, Livia's wonderful relationship with her sister, Kyle and her Dad, Blake's relationships with his brothers, Cole and Beckett, Beckett's relationship with Mouse, Beckett's relationship with Eve, Eve's relationship with Blake, and Cole's relationship with Kyle. And that's not everything!

I loved the relationship with the brothers and their tattoos. It was so great how they were there for each other and just fit so well together. (The part where Beckett had to watch and not participate killed me.)

But there were a few things that bothered me. The first time in the meadow freaked me out...it actually made me feel a bit sick. I thought there would be no hope. It was great how Livia helped Blake but I wanted to know more and it seemed that he got "fixed" too easily. And I wanted to know exactly why he was homeless all that time. Also, Beckett was a bit too extreme. Well, he is too extreme in almost everything but I felt the killings were too much.

I liked how everything wrapped up. In fact, I was going to complain that things got wrapped up too nicely so I'm glad that she left one thing undone. I've heard that a Beckett and Eve book is in the works and that makes me very happy! ((Thanks Rhonda))

Favorite quotes:

♥ “Don’t put off happiness you can have today. Tomorrow is a hope, not a promise.”

♦ “Remember when you and Livia tried to hog the spotlight at my wedding? Just when you and Livia get to the good part, Cole and I are going to have porno sex right there.” ((love Kyle))

♥ And I will never, ever lose count. ((my favorite part is counting the smiles))



**Also there is a great book trailer that you shouldn't miss:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tHdSF...