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

Book 1 on sale (for a limited time) for .99 cents starting 11/19/14

(check e-book price before purchasing)

 

Poughkeepsie (Book 1)

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1wrLt0t

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/poughkeepsie-debra-anastasia/1107612742?ean=9781936305940 

Audio Book Poughkeepsie: http://www.amazon.com/Poughkeepsie/dp/B00B1NW9AO

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

 Return to Poughkeepsie (Book 2) 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1EivEvM

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1y3LQNq

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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes #Review

Title: Me Before You

Author: Jojo Moyes

Published: December 31, 2012

Synopsis:

They had nothing in common until love gave them everything to lose . . .

Louisa Clark is an ordinary girl living an exceedingly ordinary life—steady boyfriend, close family—who has barely been farther afield than their tiny village. She takes a badly needed job working for ex–Master of the Universe Will Traynor, who is wheelchair bound after an accident. Will has always lived a huge life—big deals, extreme sports, worldwide travel—and now he’s pretty sure he cannot live the way he is.

Will is acerbic, moody, bossy—but Lou refuses to treat him with kid gloves, and soon his happiness means more to her than she expected. When she learns that Will has shocking plans of his own, she sets out to show him that life is still worth living.

A Love Story for this generation, Me Before You brings to life two people who couldn’t have less in common—a heartbreakingly romantic novel that asks, What do you do when making the person you love happy also means breaking your own heart?

Five Stars

Live Life Boldly. Live Life Fully.

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a long while. A few months ago a very dear friend and I even planned to buddy read this book, but things got hectic, and she ended up reading this before me. Then she kept nudging me to read it. Well, a few days ago I finally took the plunge…WOW! What a brilliant, touching story!

Will Traynor’s family hire Louisa Clark to be his caregiver. Will is a 35 year old quadriplegic who is severely depressed, and his family really wants Louisa to be his companion, someone who can be his friend and maybe uplift his spirits a bit. Boy, does she have her work cut out for her. Will doesn’t make it easy for Lou at all. What I loved about Lou is that she’s spunky and super determined. She’s exactly what Will needs, but is it enough? A friendship blossoms and the romance is slowly built in such a beautiful way. Spending time with Will ultimately impacts her life, too, in a huge way.

I didn’t read any reviews prior to reading Me Before You. I had no idea the story was going to dive deep into a controversial topic. I think Ms. Moyes did a wonderful job presenting different aspects and emotions in this controversy and how the disabled are continually treated and viewed.  She made me FEEL all the good and bad parts. Yes, the sad parts were literally gut-wrenching to read, but the story is also uplifting as well. Thinking back to chapter 15, who knew that Lou was such a rebel!

“You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible”

I read the epilogue three times and each time I couldn’t get through it without tears filling my eyes. Me Before You has quickly become one of my all-time favorite reads and will truly stay with me for a very long time. Little did I know that Will and Lou would worm their way into my heart, that their story would serve as a kind reminder to live life boldly and fully.

Book links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Author Website:

http://www.jojomoyes.com/

Their Second Chance by April Angel ~ Blog Tour, Review, Giveaway

Title: Their Second Chance

Author: April Angel

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: February 28, 2014

Publisher: Latin Goddess Press

Blurb:

After five years with a man she loved, Ariana Parker held the divorce papers in hand. From the moment she met him, Nick was the only man to make her body burn and fill her heart with joy, but somewhere along the way, they lost their ability to communicate--in any language.

Nick Parker lost the woman he loved to the trials of conception. Their inability to cope with their failure broke down their relationship and their friendship. And now, he's left with a woman he lusts after, longs for, and doesn't know how to reach.

One locked door and plenty of time to hash out their problems will either leave them broken forever or might just be the glue that holds them together.

Buy Links

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1gHLyVn

ARe: http://bit.ly/1f7ssIm

B&N: http://bit.ly/1jsp7UH

Excerpt

Ariana Parker lifted her gaze from the steering wheel. She stared at the clean, dark-gray lines of the ultra-modern office building in front of her. She swallowed down the acid burning the back of her throat and hoped she wouldn’t get sick. 

A wild churning, which started the moment she opened her eyes that morning, grew in intensity when she thought of what she was there for: to sign the divorce papers. She gathered every scrap of courage she could muster, which wasn’t much at this point, and tried to calm her nerves.

Another wave of anxiety rushed through her. It would take so little for her to crumble. The knot in her throat grew bigger. She wanted to scream and cry and curse the world for her misery. When her lawyer’s assistant called her, she’d had the crazy hope that Nick might have changed his mind. That wasn’t the case. Instead, she had calmly informed Ari that everything was ready for their signatures. 

After shutting off the engine, she had to mentally prepare herself to see the only man she’d ever loved. And the only man it hurt to have lost. So many years together. All gone. Her heart squeezed hard in her chest. Pain was a constant for her now. So much a part of her life since they’d separated that she had almost forgotten what it was like to be happy.

Cool evening air caressed her bare arms when she slid out of her navy Chevy. The car was Nick’s gift to her on their last anniversary, and the only thing she had left of their life together. Piercing anger stabbed at her chest, making her wince. They’d lasted seven years together. Five of those years married. Five amazing years. 

Until it all went to hell.

She’d never understand how they went from best friends to strangers in the course of a year. Her mind fought against the idea that they’d been ill-suited to begin with. That he wasn’t the right man for her. Or that she wasn’t the right woman for him.

Nick’s pick-up was already parked in front of the entrance. She gulped at the dryness in her throat, rubbed her palms on the sides of her sundress, and hoped she didn’t make a spectacle of herself. 

The closer she moved to the building, the harder it became to breathe. Sorrow, rage, and a mixture of desolation mingled to create a large void inside her. This was the last straw. She’d not only lost her husband, but she’d lost her best friend. She thought of what lay ahead and chastised herself for losing her cool. Damn it all to hell! It was hard to concede defeat when Nick had been her first and only love. As much as it hurt to admit it, she’d been the one to ask for the divorce, and he hadn’t fought it. He hadn’t argued or complained. All he’d done was say if that was what she wanted he was fine with it. 

White-hot anger rose within her. Like giant cresting waves of heat, she felt it spread inside. She let it expand until she was fuming from his lack of concern for her. Clearly, divorce was the best option for them. It was overdue. Putting off the inevitable would only add more years of torture for them both. And though they had been estranged for almost two years, she didn’t wish Nick any harm. Time to finish this. 

She yanked the lobby door open and freezing air slid over her, cooling some of the sizzle on her skin. She glanced around. Small, black sofas sat to one side while a large, glass receptionist desk was placed by the hallway that led to the partner offices and conference rooms. Her gaze clashed with Nick’s. For a second, her heart tripped. The emotions hidden deep in her heart—the ones she’d been fighting to ignore all day—rose to the surface. Love. Desire. Need. And pain.

She watched him stand as soon as he saw her. Her gaze roamed his body, remembering the feel of each line under her fingers. A blue T-shirt hugged his muscular torso, muscles he’d gained from working long hours at his construction company. She gulped, tamping down the instant flare of arousal. Figured her body would betray her. Disgust at herself flourished just as quickly as her pulse quickened. How could their bodies be so attuned but their minds be in such disarray? Faded denim encased his legs, and the black work-boots she was all too familiar with covered his feet. 

A bright blaze ignited from the quick glance at the man she’d once known so well. Chemistry had never been a problem for them. She licked her lips. Her gaze slowly worked its way back up his body, this time taking in the sleeve tattoos covering his arms in intricate and beautiful designs. She continued up until her gaze met his blue eyes.

Book Trailer

Five Stars

“A lot of people will tell you that it hurts to be without the person you love, but the truth is that it's like living with no purpose.”

Their Second Chance is a heart-wrenching story of a couple torn apart by the issue of infertility. It begins with them about to make their divorce final. However; fate has a twisted way of showing up when least expected, and a journey to a second chance begins.

One of the strengths that I loved about this story is that April Angel shows a couple learning to communicate when they had failed to do so in the past. My heart broke for Nick and Ari. Nick is so devoted to his wife, and loves her so much. Ari is fiercely independent despite to her mother-in-law's chagrin. Ms. Angel quickly establishes that these two are physically compatible, and at first it made me wonder if things were happening too fast. Then I realized that they've known each other for a long time. Their attraction to each other had never been the problem. As I kept reading, I felt for both characters. I liked that there are scenes with Nick and Ari not only just living in the moment, but also emotionally breaking down and then struggling to get on the same page.

It's not easy when a couple hits this type of bump in their marriage, and everyone deals with this situation in their own way. Although I would have loved for more details with certain things, I appreciate that the author clearly focused on Nick and Ari working out their problems. I think Ms. Angel did a wonderful job describing the feelings of pain, helplessness and devotion to come across as authentic as possible. Whether you've been in the same boat or not, this story will tug at your heart.

AUTHOR BIO

Hi! I'm Milly (AKA April Angel) I love to write sexy stories. They're usually either paranormal or contemporary with a large dose of heat. My paranormal stories can be anything from wolf-shifters (my favorites) to witches, demons and anything in between. My contemporaries are usually anything from soldiers to corporate romances. 

I was born the prettiest part of the Caribbean known as the Dominican Republic. Currently, I live in New York City with my hubby, the bossy kiddo and our little dog "Needy Speedy". Don't ask.

When I'm not working some really long hours at the day job, or hanging out in the awful life-sucking invention known as Facebook, messaging my bestie in the UK or shopping with my sis Julie, then I can be found watching scary movies. Buuut when I'm not doing that, I'm usually writing because the voices won't shut up.

I am addicted to shoe shopping, chocolate (but who isn't, right?) and Dunkin' Donuts coffee.

Come on over and visit me! I love to meet new readers!

I hope you enjoyed this book. If you did, please consider writing a review

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