Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Genre: Contemporary Adult Romance
Purchase: Amazon / B&N
Goodreads Blurb:
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.
* 5 STARS * Review:
"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 amd 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!
Giveaway:
Open INTERNATIONALLY
Author, Debra Anastasia, has graciously agreed to gift digital copy to one lucky winner.