PURPOSE

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Showing posts with label Debra Anastasia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Debra Anastasia. Show all posts

Blog Tour ~ Saving Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Release Day ARC #Review #Giveaway


Title: Saving Poughkeepsie
Author: Debra Anastasia
Series: Poughkeepsie Brotherhood #3
Release Date: November 22, 2014


Synopsis:
Beckett Taylor’s quest to be a better man has brought Eve Hartt back into his life, but sometimes it feels like they’re bound together with barbed wire. Though he longs to love her without causing pain, the wreckage of their past continues to crash down around them. 



Yet with the help of his brothers—and for his brothers—Beckett won’t stop trying. He’s determined to make them all a family, to make a life they want to live, and to make Poughkeepsie a place that’s safe to live it. 



He can feel their futures balanced precariously on his shoulders: Blake and Livia and their children, Cole and Kyle and the new baby they’ve just brought home, and Eve…always Eve. He wants their dreams to be real. But murderers don’t just get Happily Ever After handed to them. They have to wrench it away from Satan himself. 


Good thing Beckett is prepared to do just that. After all, saving Poughkeepsie is the only way his story ends.

Prepare your heart and your head for a wild ride in this final installment of the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series. Debra Anastasia does not disappoint as she weaves the last chapter of a story that blends true love, turbulent emotions, and life’s harsh realities into an uplifting tale that calls to the good in each of us.





Excerpt 1
“I’m not worried about tomorrow. I’m worried about right now, with you, under this Christmas tree.” Blake supported her neck as he laid her on the floor.
Livia turned her head. “You’d better convince me. So far you’ve talked about the dog going to the bathroom, trash, and dirtiness.”
Blake kissed her jaw and turned her head gently, kissing her mouth as she bit her lips together.
“Can’t I just convince you with my manly ways?” He wiggled his eyebrows.
He could, of course, do just that—but she shook her head. She loved the playful sparkle in his green eyes. His five o’clock shadow just made him more handsome, framing his kissable lips with scruff. 
“Okay.” He put his fingers at the bottom of her shirt, lifting it gently so he could circle her belly button with his index finger. “You’re the sexiest, most beautiful woman on this planet. So sexy, in fact, that I had to have you. I had to make you bear my children because my universe and yours had to be combined. Everything I’ve ever been needed to be buried inside of you, so deep, so full of love that we created life. Twice.”
He lifted her shirt and kissed the tops of her breasts, whispering his devotion into her skin. “And it’s never enough. Unless I can hear you coming, I can’t think of anything else. All day every day. For years now. You’re that powerful, Livia. This. Us. It’s so intense that years haven’t cured me. I can’t stop wanting to make love to you.”

“Wow.” Livia smiled and pulled his face back to hers, kissing him and effectively stopping his beautiful words.

Excerpt 2
“Come with me.” He led her to the beach again, but during dinner a few people had been busy. It was now lined with an aisle of candles, and a man stood close to the breaking surf, hands crossed, waiting. Someone had used the surrounding sand as a canvas, creating a swirling pattern. Their names were part of the art.
What? She asked without a sound.
“I want you to marry me. Here. Now.”
Beckett let go of her hand and strode away. When he turned around, close to the water at the end of the aisle, he hoped to hell she wasn’t running in the other direction.


5 STARS

A gorgeous series conclusion
(Non-spoiler review)

After reading book 2, I wondered how the hell Debra Anastasia was going to conclude the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series. One couple in particular seemed to have so much stacked against them. Well, this series concludes in an epic way…EPIC I tell you!

The themes of brotherhood, friendship, and family continue to be ever present in Saving Poughkeepsie. I think this is one of the reasons why this series has a huge fan base. People relate to and care for these characters in some way. In the midst of all the pain and tragedy, they just want to know if everything will be ok.

In this installment, evil is wrecking havoc all over. Boy, does this person have HUGE, unbelievable plans! For each couple, Ms. Anastasia has lovingly crafted special moments that made me swoon to the stars! So much love and devotion is expressed for Blake and Livia. Although hinted in the summary, Cole and Kyle get to experience happiness tenfold, but there’s so much more that goes down you’ll have to read it to find out what happens. Finally, there is Beckett and Eve. I was weary on how things would conclude for these two, but it was pulled off in such a way that only Debra Anastasia can write it! Becket is such a bad boy (who is trying to be good) and Eve’s biggest dream seemed so impossible to achieve. Ms. Anastasia gave them a roller-coaster journey throughout the entire series, and more so in this book. What a wild and twisted plot filled with humor, love, and suspense!

The Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series is best appreciated when read in order. Saving Poughkeepsie is a MUST READ for fans. You will love it!!!

Although I’m sad that the series has concluded, these characters will live on strong in my heart. Thank you, Debra Anastasia, for telling this gorgeous story and taking me on quite the journey to Poughkeepsie!





Saving Poughkeepsie Links:
Amazon ~ http://goo.gl/7PNBtY
Amazonco/uk ~ http://amzn.to/1ycAhUT
Barnes & Noble ~ http://bit.ly/1ui4GBg
iTune ~ http://bit.ly/1syCoOS
Enhanced Poughkeepsie App ~ http://bit.ly/1EouzRb
Kobo ~ http://bit.ly/1zgNLiO
BAM ~ http://bit.ly/1GL7RqH
Google Play ~ http://bit.ly/1u5goPU
Simon & Schuster ~ http://bit.ly/1uZbdDb
Goodreads ~ http://bit.ly/1tC0R4V

TPB Series on Make A Gif


Book 1 on sale (for a limited time) for .99 cents starting 11/19/14
(check e-book price before purchasing)
 
Poughkeepsie (Book 1)



Poughkeepsie Enhanced Collector’s Edition for iPad ($12.99): https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/poughkeepsie/id763056961?mt=8 


 Return to Poughkeepsie (Book 2) 



Poughkeepsie Enhanced App by Debra Anastasia Tour ~ Guest Post, Review, Giveaways

Welcome to the Poughkeepsie Enhanced Collector’s Edition App Tour! 

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia has been a cult hit bestseller since 2011. A homeless guy counting the smiles of a kind train commuter spiraled into a novel that was nominated by the Rockstars of Romance as one of the most romantic stories ever and won 2nd place!   It was a story that deserved getting a jumbo-sized enhancement. Extra scenes out the ying yang was, of course, a huge part of the fun. Getting to spend some of those previously undiscovered first moments with Blake and Livia or the moment he proposed was worth exploring. In Debra’s wildest dreams she imagined Poughkeepsie with its own soundtrack, anchored by her favorite musicians. When blockbuster talent Ron Pope signed on with fourteen songs and then Rustic Overtones agreed as well, she knew things were going to get crazy cool. 

After almost two full years of development, the Enhanced Poughkeepsie is ready.  Debra lost count of the hours spent, as did the developer poured into this. It was beast, and more amazing than she could have ever imagined. This app became the most exceptional reading experience Debra could devise for her readers.

~~~***~~~

Guest Post on Interactive Apps
by
Debra Anastasia

When I was planning out the Poughkeepsie Enhanced Collector’s Edition, I wanted more than just extra scenes, videos, pictures, and sounds --which sounds like crazy talk. (But of course that's what I known for.) I decided we needed to do more, give more, and have more. That sounds dirtier than I intended. But I wanted to think outside of the box and with Omnific Publishing there really isn't a box. So, I was able to include a recipe for frittatas and a knitting pattern design by Shannon Lumetta. There are many small details that I felt were important for me to show the reader. There’s a video about how to knit a stich, which was so important to Mouse. I also show you how to make a paper rose which is something Blake does for Livia in the nightclub scene that touches her heart. Both these things showcase the spirit behind the book, that small things can give the people around you joy. Also, the readers gets to follow along and make a few keepsakes of their own. 

I wanted it to be an interactive sort of experience for the reader who is revisiting Poughkeepsie or trying it for the first time. My developer also helped me work games into the product so that you could find out which Poughkeepsie man would be your ideal match or which Poughkeepsie girl you're most like. Interacting with readers is one of my favorite things to do. I can't imagine doing the author thing without having Twitter and Facebook and email as a way to reach out and to be contacted by the readers. So for me the Enhanced app is sort of the next generation of reading where I can combine all different forms of media into a book. Books for me were always a special experience from the buying of it to the opening  and savoring when it was time to read. That putting this virtual frame around Poughkeepsie felt natural and exciting. I look at books as an entire journey. To be able to increase that experience for the readers was so tempting. And now having created this app I have to say I'm extremely satisfied with what it presents as an experience.


A huge thank you to Sweet Spot Book Blog for letting me play today!

It is our pleasure to be part of the Enhanced App tour! Thank you for stopping by, Debra!

Summary:

Immerse yourself in the world of Debra Anastasia’s Poughkeepsie.

Experience this bestselling novel for the first time…again as you break all the rules about books with Omnific Publishing and Debra Anastasia. In this enhanced version of the novel, you’ll enjoy insights from the author, music by Ron Pope and other artists to set the mood, and images and video that bring the scenes to life as you read. You’ll delve deeper into the world of Poughkeepsie through nearly 50,000 words of added scenes (more love, more drama, more romance!) and informative insights into how this marvelous story and its characters came to be.

Self-contained in this app (no wifi needed after downloading):
•complete novel Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
•author/director’s pop-up commentary
•music by Ron Pope, Rustic Overtones, Monoxide G, Violet Winter, Bo Heart, and Jeff Epstein and the City Line Singers
•more than 100 images to enhance the story
•videos of your favorite characters in action
•special animation
•sound effects
•interviews with the characters, author, and more
•interactive games
•trailers for the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series
•how-to knitting instructions
•how-to instructions for making a paper rose
•recipe for the dinner Livia makes for Blake



This app is available for all kinds of devices!

It is available now as Enhanced Poughkeepsie for iPad
Website for Droid, iPhones, and Computers is coming soon! Visit http://www.DebraAnastasia.com

For more information. The website app (which is the same content as the iPad app) will be available this week.

~~~***~~~

All three of us here are Sweet Spot Book Blog have read Poughkeepsie when it was previously released. We continue to LOVE & ADORE this story!
Our original 5-Star reviews can be found HERE and HERE.


~ Enhanced App ~
Five Plus Stars!

Enhanced App is a phenomenal version of Poughkeepsie!

Let me start off by saying that I have been reading Debra Anastasia's stories since before her first book was even published. I helped cheer her on when Poughkeepsie was released to the world back in 2011. To me there is something truly special about this story. It begins and ends making you smile and in between is an absolutely riveting story about three men who are brothers down to the heart and soul.

It's been a few years since I've read Poughkeepsie. When Ms. Anastasia announced that this story was being made into an interactive app, it definitely peaked my interest. This was my first time reading a book this way. When you first open the app, there is an instructional page and even a video starring Debra Anastasia showing you how to navigate through all the features. I loved everything...and I mean EVERYTHING that she added to enhance Poughkeepsie! There is really so much to say, but my favorite parts include the music (Ron Pope has gained a new fan), the images embedded through the chapters, the interviews and special character scenes. I've followed Debra via her blog for years, so I recognized several posts as extras including the “Old Love” story featured in Ch. 8, which made me cry all over again. I liked the fact that Ch. 7 can be entirely read to you since this particular chapter is a sampling of the audiobook. I also adored the background histories of the cardboard piano and the tattoo, both of which have become symbols to this story. There is even a train whistle for one of the many sound effects. Debra even shows you how to knit and make paper roses!

One of the things I truly loved is Ms. Anastasia's commentary for certain scenes. She highlights her favorite quotes and explains what inspired her to write specific scenes. Sometimes it's funny, sometimes is poignant, but what she has to say will make you laugh and cry through it all! She was truly and deeply inspired by several visuals and music while writing Poughkeepsie, and she pays homage to all that.

If you've read Poughkeepsie before, the Enhanced App will allow you to experience the story again in an entirely new dimension. I found re-reading this story via the app made it all the more enriching. If you've never read this story before and wonder which version to get, of course you will get what works for you (print, e-book, audiobook), but if you have the means and the device, the Enhanced App is a beautiful and phenomenal version. I can see all the hard work put into this app. It is absolutely worth it! Thank you, Debra Anastasia, for creating something that allowed me to fall in love with Poughkeepsie all over again!

~~~***~~~


Author Links:
Debra’s twitter

Debra’s Facebook

Debra’s website

~~~***~~~

GIVEAWAYS!

Tour-Wide Giveaway:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog-Hosted Giveaway
To celebrate we are giving away one ecopy set of Poughkeepsie and Return to Poughkeepsie. Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour ~ Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Review & Giveaways!



Summary:
Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

Series: Poughkeepsie #2

Release Date: December 30, 2013



 
Four Stars 

Are you ready to Return to Poughkeepsie? 

When I read Poughkeepsie back in 2011, I knew that there had to be more. The story of the kick-ass assassin and the ultimate bad boy seemed unfinished. Those that know the background of Eve and Beckett know that it seems so impossible for them to be together. In Return to Poughkeepsie all of our favorite characters return, a whole slew of new characters are introduced, and we're taken down an unexpected, wild and crazy path that will leave you craving more. I adore the way Ms. Anastasia weaves a story. She doesn't just focus on one couple. In this sequel we get a continuation of the stories of all three relationships, and so much happens to each and every one.

Blake & Livia...how beautiful it is to see their love continue to deepen and grow and create a family. A terrifying ordeal ends up strengthening their bond even more. Blake fans, you will melt all over again for him, his tender heart, and his love for Livia's smiles.

Cole & Kyle...what these two endure as a couple is so painful that my heart goes out to them. In a heartbreaking situation that tests true love and perseverance, I'm telling you right now to have tissues ready!

Beckett & Eve...

She loved him, and it hurt her.” 

I'm not worth your heart yet, but I'm gonna be. Eve, the next time you see me, I'm going to be a man worth it.” 

Things have always been complicated for Beckett and Eve. Yes, they love hard, and their passion for each other is raw and rough. They are truly made for each other. Eve has always been one of my faves. Wow! I think I now have a bigger girly crush on her now! She's trained herself to be a deadly weapon. She commands such strength everywhere she goes. Men know to cover the family jewels in her presence. Beckett, oh, how I heart you! He wants to turn good for Eve's sake, so he continues to stay away and work on turning himself into someone worthy. I love how he's written to be so selfless! For Beckett, his loved ones are always a priority. If you have a good heart, Beckett will have your back.


Return to Poughkeepsie has the crazy and funny swirled with the action, suspense, and angst. It also flows with lots of heart and love all around. So many things happen all at once. You'll be wondering what the heck is going on and where Beckett went, but there is a method to all the madness. I appreciate the attention given to the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood. It was nice returning to this familiar place. Things end on a happy-for-now note. So much goes down between Eve and Beckett that I just don't know how Ms. Anastasia will grant them their true HEA. I can't wait to find out in Poughkeepsie #3!!!

*A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.*



 Author Bio
Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There's dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with...ahem... digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when--along with the animals and humans in her house--the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra's ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn't give up, wouldn't let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and--fingers full of peanut butter--she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.
She's eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.
Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

Social Media Links:
Goodreads 
Twitter 
Facebook 
Website 
Amazon 
BN.com   
YouTube Trailer


~ GIVEAWAYS ~ 

Tour-Wide Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog-hosted Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway