ENHANCED POUGHKEEPSIE BLOG TOUR WITH DEBRA ANASTASIA: REVIEW AND 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 2^nd 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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

Check out what’s in store for you:

Trailer Link

 

This app is available for multiple devices!

Enhanced Poughkeepsie for iPad

Enhanced Poughkeepsie for iPhone (link to come)

Enhanced Poughkeepsie for Android (link to come)

Enhanced Poughkeepsie for ePub (on your computer) (link to come)

 

My Review

When I read Poughkeepsie (my review )I fell in love with an unique and intensely passionate story. It's a story I haven't let go of, forgotten in the slightest, in the two years since. When I learned an app was being developed for Enhanced Poughkeepsie, I thought "Whaaat?"  but knowing how creative and passionate Debra Anastasia is, that quickly turned into excitement.

The Enhanced Poughkeepsie app is a very cool interactive experience. Music played a large part in the creation of Poughkeepsie. While reading, you can listen to the music that inspired Anastasia, or helps create the perfect mood for a moment. You also have photos to help envision the setting, the characters, some are even gifs.. Bonus: Quizzes! "Which Poughkeepsie Man is Your Match"! My perfect match is BLAKE -- swooooon. "Which Poughkeepsie Woman Are You?" I got Livia, naturally. Quotes that Anastasia makes note of are highlighted in red; when you click on them you find out why. The app is finished with interviews, special extras, and features of those involved in the production. The entire Enhanced Poughkeepsie experience is gorgeous.

On a personal note, I am very thankful I got the chance to experience Enhanced Poughkeepsie. It was intense, gorgeous and inspired. I had the chance to fall in love with this beautiful creation all over again.

 

GIVEAWAY

 

 

For this tour, there is one HUGE giveaway that you totally should treat yourself to entering.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

 

 

And this blog is giving away eCopies of Poughkeepsie and Return to Poughkeepsie to celebrate!

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author

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.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads  |  Pinterest  |  Tumblr  |  Amazon  

 

BLOG TOUR: RETURN TO POUGHKEEPSIE by DEBRA ANASTASIA

Welcome to my stop on the Return to Poughkeepsie Blog Tour.
My post includes a review and two giveaways.

Series: Poughkeepsie #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense

Publisher: Omnific

Publication Date: 12/31/13
Format: eARC
Pages: 
Source: Publisher
Rating: 4 stars

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. Destruction and intimidation are his calling, his craft —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. Mob forces have 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 safely. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, 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 worse until death does part.

 

First Impression ... Oh my peas, I have been waiting for Eve and Beckett's book for ages. Or maybe a year and a half, same difference. Poughkeepsie, the story of Blake and Livia and their families is one of my favorite books. I'm dying to see what Debra Anastasia brings us next.

The Story... Where do I begin? If you've read Poughkeepsie, then you know what beautiful insanity is in store. If you haven't, I highly suggest you give it a try, because it is a gorgeous love story full of many surprises and dynamic characters.

In Return to Poughkeepsie, the story continues with Beckett. Having left Poughkeepsie to keep his loved ones safe, he is in despair. He misses his brothers, their wives, and Eve, his assassin lover/would-be killer. Beckett sets off to become a better man, one worthy of Eve's love. The journey takes a surprising turn, one I never ever expected. But a man as renowned and feared as Beckett will not be forgotten. His family in danger brings Beckett back, but can he and Eve ever find their way?
 

The Characters ... Return to Poughkeepsie centers primarily around Beckett and Eve and, WHOA, those two were still as crazy and fantastic as I remembered. Before, the two consistently toed a fine line between love and hate. Their lust is alive and lethal, constantly pulling them together in a dance of love and pain. Their appetite was so intense that it bordered on scary. I am always fascinated with characters who feel an attraction to a person who is their enemy, deserves their hatred. Anastasia completely sells this seemingly insane pairing; Beckett and Eve are a couple that must be together.

Return to Poughkeepsie also heavily features the beloved couples Blake and Livia, Cole and Kyle. Having read Poughkeepsie, it did my heart wonders to find Blake healthy and happy with Livia. Their home is happy and full and I appreciated Anastasia's realistic portrayal of marriage and parenthood.

Kyle and Livia's portion was both hilarious and heartbreaking. Hilarious because Kyle still has the funniest and filthiest mouth and I adore her and her former priest husband, with his peaceful nature and constant prayers. Their story is also heartbreaking because they go through some really rough times. Anastasia did their experience tender and honest justice.

Ryan, a cop, is another character with a good bit of page time. I did not trust Ryan, at all. I wanted to hate him, actually. But between him dealing with his ex's horrible and hilarious pranks, and the fact that he was a stand up guy who had a certain character's back, and the fact his heart gets broken, I ended up loving Ryan. I would love to see him find some happiness in the future (hint, hint).

The Writing... Debra Anastasia has once again proven herself a truly gifted author. Her prose is gorgeous. The tone easily transitions between sexy and exciting, thoughtful and sad, dangerous and loving. And humorous. The dialogue, especially from Beckett and Kyle, is ridiculously funny. 

I loved that Return to Poughkeepsie was a story with so much depth. Eve and Beckett by all reasoning, should never be together. The fact that I agonized for these two speaks a lot for the character development and emotions infused into the story.

Could I Put Return to Poughkeepsie Down? The story gets off to a truly heart pounding start, full of close calls, violence and sex. When the story soon took a much, much different path than I expected, I was thrown. I was afraid that as a reader I would be missing out on very important moments. But I saw where the story was going, and I rallied. There's lot of mobster-ish happenings in the middle portion of the story, which really isn't my thing, but I appreciated how it impacted Eve, Beckett and Ryan. As the story progressed, the tension built to a kickass pace, and my heart was in my throat throughout.

In the End... Return to Poughkeepsie was a great story. It was full of love and hope, violence and danger, pain, anguish, and achingly beautiful moments. I love this series, love the characters. And the ending was perfection. Until the very end, I was not aware of a forthcoming third book. And after the sneak peek, I am once again dying for the next Poughkeepsie book.

Favorite Quotes:

  Her blue eyes filled with tears. "I love you.
  His forceful manner slipped. His voice caught on the emotion in his throat. " I know. I'm sorry."


  She touched him and smiled. She didn't need to say it. It was all over her face: She loved him. He was her hero. She kissed him again and again. He ran his hands all over her body, feeling for injuries but only finding her softness.
  She cuddled into him and took a deep breath. Blake wrapped his arms around her and felt primal. Here in woods he could protect her forever.


  "Come her to me," Beckett demanded in a gravelly voice. He pointed to the spot in front of him. "Come here or run, because the next choice you make will be for the rest of your life."

Poughkeepsie Series

 

(covers lead to GoodReads)

My Review of Poughkeepsie

Purchase Return to Poughkeepsie

Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble

GIVEAWAYS

Tour-Wide Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Poughkeepsie & Return to Poughkeepsie (ebooks)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the author
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.

Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  GoodReads  |  Pinterest  |  Tumblr  |  Amazon  

WAITING ON WEDNESDAY ~ RETURN TO POUGHKEEPSIE

Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's WoW selection is...

Series: Poughkeepsie #2

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Omnific

Publication Date: 12/31/13

 

 

 

Beckett Taylor is a murderer. Destruction and intimidation are his calling, his craft —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. Mob forces have 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 safely. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, 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 worse until death does part.

 

 

 

Why I'm Waiting ~ I absolutely loved Poughkeepsie. I cannot wait for this Beckett/Eve-centric story. It's going to be completely insane!

 

 

{SERIES REVIEW} CRUSHED SERAPHIM and BITTERSWEET SERAPHIM (SERAPHIM #1 and 2) by DEBRA ANASTASIA

 

 

Today I am reviewing the Seraphim Series by Debra Anastasia. The series includes Crushed Seraphim and the recently released Bittersweet Seraphim. 

 

 

Series: Seraphim #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Publication Date: 5/17/11
Format: ebook (Kindle)
Pages: 194
Source: Bought

How does a foul-mouthed angel end up as the last hope for all of Heaven and Earth?

When Seraph Emma is maimed and tossed from Heaven by a rogue angel who's taken charge, she fears she'll never be allowed to return. Tasked with the impossible job of showing the self-loathing (and not even human!) Jason his worth, Emma is sure she's doomed to fail.

Meanwhile, having wormed his way into Heaven, the corrupt Everett has trapped God in Hell and has designs on unleashing evil everywhere. Fortunately, if there's one thing Emma can't do (in addition to minding her language), it's give up. Determined to save Jason and get back to Heaven-even if it means going to Hell-Emma's plan is simple yet impossible: trick the Devil to save God.

What she doesn't count on is the devotion and, well, humanity she finds in Jason; the spirit, hidden compassion, and raw sex appeal within the Devil; and the vulnerability of her own heart. With the help of two unlikely allies, she'll wage the battle for Heaven. But will Emma be sidetracked by a new sort of heaven along the way?

What's truly more dangerous?

Falling from Heaven, or falling in love?

 

Series: Seraphim #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Publication Date: 11/22/12
Format: eARC
Pages: 280
Source: Received from publisher for review.

Suffering is worst when you’re doing it alone. But Emma’s taking Hell like an angel—even though her languishing began with having her seraph wings torn from her back. Now her worst enemy lords his body and his evil desires over her while she tries desperately to remember the words to her favorite prayer.

As Devil, Jack used to have Hell and its women humming like well-oiled machines. Too bad he’s nowhere near the place now. Stuck on Earth as a human, he must work with a ragtag team of exiled minions and half-breeds to save the angel who’s become all that matters.

Rescuing a seraph is the plan, but breaking into Hell means letting evil things out. Once they collide, minions and angels converge in the battle of the ages: good versus evil. But which side is which? Will Jack destroy the world as he fights to save Emma, his true and timeless love, from a damnation he designed?

An action-packed sequel to Crushed Seraphim, this tale reveals—time and again—what happens when the heart’s deepest desires break free. With a story both sizzling and sensual, emotional and enigmatic, Debra Anastasia invites readers to join a battle with nothing less than love on the line.

Not Your Average Angel Story

What an understatement. Having read Debra Anastasia's beautiful story, Poughkeepsie, I was dying for more of her work. Anastasia's stories are unique. Her characters can be sweet, sexy, dangerous, or docile, but they all manage to to have a wicked sense of humor and a "ballsy" (for lack of a better word) charm.

So, were Crushed Seraphim and Bittersweet Seraphim what I expected? Well, yes and no. I got the out-of-the box story that I was hoping for. Seriously. Emma is a an angel who is just as likely to swear and flip the bird as she is to bless someone. An angel who lovingly tends to those in need, and can't help but fall for the Devil, Satan Jack. Jack....wow. I thought I was prepared for his special brand of sexy swagger. Not even close. This man was beautiful, seductive, dangerous, and, dare I say, honorable. Unff. This man was so sexy, he made me hurt. Here's the deal: Imagine Johnny Depp. Yeah. Combine that image with that sexy mouth and that's all it takes to make the ladies, and angels, fall hard for Satan Jack.  Jack and Emma's love story is glorious, but not without tragic road blocks.

I was also surprised (pleasantly) by the elaborate, all-encompassing tale of love, pain, desperation, sacrifice and hope. I expected the Seraphim Series to be primarily about Jack and Emma. It really is, but it is also about the divine and demonic beings that set their journey in motion and the ones they meet along the way.The road these characters, particularly Emma and Jack, must travel is frightening, tragic and ultimately, worth it.

Crushed Seraphim is a story that I did enjoy, but I also spent a decent portion of my time gaining my bearings. I understood it, but I think I just needed some time to see how the pieces fit together. The story ended up coming together with  great force and left me flying to open Bittersweet Seraphim to discover what happens next.

Bittersweet Seraphim was a delight from beginning to end. It begins with the tragic love story of a minion of hell and a human. I would think that anything less than Emma and Jack would be unsatisfying, but this opening pulled me headfirst within the story. Jack and Emma quickly gain center stage of the book and while Crushed Seraphim seemed to focus more on Emma, Bittersweet Seraphim gives us SO. MUCH. JACK. Though I love awesome Emma, Jack's larger role in this book made it even more awesome than book one.

The Seraphim Series was great. Honestly, the more I sit here and consider, the more I'm loving it. So yes, I did get the lively, entertaining story I was expecting, but I also got so much more. More heartache. More pain. More love. Bittersweet Seraphim had one of the most beautiful endings that I've ever read. An ending that left me with teary eyes and a happy heart. I can safely say that Debra Anastasia and her remarkable stories are truly one of a kind.



Favorite Quotes:

  "As she spoke, her eyes filled with the same gold-colored sheen that had been in her tears. 'Don't listen to him. You're a miracle. If nothing else, I'm so very glad we've met.' "  ~Crushed Seraphim, 18%


  " 'No one knows you're here with me, Emma. Wanting me isn't a sin. I'll give you pleasure, pure and simple.'
  He snapped the second button of her union suit. It clattered to the floor and rolled on its rim, taking some of her virtue with it.
  'Pure.' Her ears were so sensitive, and the deep vibration of his voice drove her wild. He licked her lobe gently, then whispered again. 'And simple.' "  ~Crushed Seraphim, 33%


  "Jack took the cigarette from her and held it in his fingers. He took a drag and blew the smoke in his well-practiced way. It formed a heart-shaped ring. He grabbed a handful of her hair and kissed her solidly, his hands no longer shaking. He held tightly and moved her head to one side, then the other, as he tasted her mouth. She moaned and gave up caring where she was, who she was pledged to."  ~Crushed Seraphim, 80%


  "Jack unzipped his pants and spoke to Jason.  'You might want to have Kate close her eyes if you ever want her to sleep with you, asshole. Because once I take off my pants, you'll always come in second.' "  ~Bittersweet Seraphim, 33%


  "Jack ran a hand through his hair. At twenty-six, he'd had his share of the ladies. Okay, fine. He'd had ten guys' share of the ladies. There was just something about him -- mostly it was in his pants. He was like the pied piper of p***y and loved every g*dd*mn minute of it."  ~ Bittersweet Seraphim, 88%


  " 'It's you.' She started to cry again.
   The lump in his throat made his voice faulty. 'It's you.' "  ~Bittersweet Seraphim, 92%



You can purchase Crushed Seraphim at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble


You can purchase Bittersweet Seraphim at:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There's dinner, the dogs, the kids, and their homework. The laundry pile turns into a big, heaping monster. When the clothes finally make it into the washer, it gets unbalanced and puts on an elaborate show before it cuts out. This crazy job that never ends is her first love and her crowning achievement. Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when along with the dogs, cat, kids, and husband, the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra's ear. Insomnia was the gateway for the plots that wouldn't give up, wouldn't let go. In the shower, a twist would take hold and--dripping and frenzied--she'd find somewhere, anywhere to write it down. Debra grew up in New York and got a bachelor's degree in political science at SUNY New Paltz. At the start of her marriage, she moved to southern Maryland with her husband. She still doesn't trust crabs and all their legs, though everyone else in her family thinks they're delicious. Her favorite hobbies include knitting, painting furniture and wall murals, and slapping clowns. Earlier this year Omnific Publishing published her debut novel, Crushed Seraphim, and she's currently pounding out the sequel to angel Emma's adventures. You can visit her website at www.DebraAnastasia.com and find her on twitter @Debra_Anastasia. (taken from GoodReads)

TEASER TUESDAY ~ BITTERSWEET SERAPHIM by DEBRA ANASTASIA

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read
·Open to a random page
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

Series: Seraphim #2
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Publisher: Omnific Publishing
Publication Date: 11/22/12

Suffering is worst when you’re doing it alone. But Emma’s taking Hell like an angel—even though her languishing began with having her seraph wings torn from her back. Now her worst enemy lords his body and his evil desires over her while she tries desperately to remember the words to her favorite prayer.

As Devil, Jack used to have Hell and its women humming like well-oiled machines. Too bad he’s nowhere near the place now. Stuck on Earth as a human, he must work with a ragtag team of exiled minions and half-breeds to save the angel who’s become all that matters.

Rescuing a seraph is the plan, but breaking into Hell means letting evil things out. Once they collide, minions and angels converge in the battle of the ages: good versus evil. But which side is which? Will Jack destroy the world as he fights to save Emma, his true and timeless love, from a damnation he designed?

An action-packed sequel to Crushed Seraphim, this tale reveals—time and again—what happens when the heart’s deepest desires break free. With a story both sizzling and sensual, emotional and enigmatic, Debra Anastasia invites readers to join a battle with nothing less than love on the line.

 

My Teaser ~

  "Jenny wished she'd never met Nero -- never touched his lips, never spoken to him. And then with the next breath she wished she'd kissed him properly, felt his ridiculous biceps. She wished she'd handed him a flower so he could have something beautiful to take with him."  (eARC, 2%)


Be sure to stop back by on Thursday for my review of Bittersweet Seraphim.


You can purchase Bittersweet Seraphim at:
Amazon  |  GoodReads  |  Book Depository

BITTERSWEET SERAPHIM RELEASE TOUR

 

I'm excited to be a part of the release celebration for Bittersweet Seraphim, by Debra Anastasia. My post includes the trailer for the book, and two series giveaways. You can go to Debra Anastasia’s BLOG for a list of tour stops, more chances to win, and a buddy prize with crystal bracelets!

 

Bittersweet Seraphim has been released from Hell.

Satan Jack invites you to come…and indulge yourself in his journey to save the angel he loves. After running Hell for over a thousand years one foul-mouthed Seraph has changed his end game.

Even if it means destroying the universe, Jack refuses to give up on Emma. He didn’t know what love was until Emma’s skin pressed against his, the addiction to any of his other vices paling in comparison. Jack has never been a fearful man, but he gets it now. Fear comes when you have something to lose. Or someone.

 

 

 

 

Suffering is worst when you’re doing it alone. But Emma’s taking Hell like an angel—even though her languishing began with having her seraph wings torn from her back. Now her worst enemy lords his body and his evil desires over her while she tries desperately to remember the words to her favorite prayer. 

As Devil, Jack used to have Hell and its women humming like well-oiled machines. Too bad he’s nowhere near the place now. Stuck on Earth as a human, he must work with a ragtag team of exiled minions and half-breeds to save the angel who’s become all that matters. 

Rescuing a seraph is the plan, but breaking into Hell means letting evil things out. Once they collide, minions and angels converge in the battle of the ages: good versus evil. But which side is which? Will Jack destroy the world as he fights to save Emma, his true and timeless love, from a damnation he designed?

An action-packed sequel to Crushed Seraphim, this tale reveals—time and again—what happens when the heart’s deepest desires break free. With a story both sizzling and sensual, emotional and enigmatic, Debra Anastasia invites readers to join a battle with nothing less than love on the line.

 

Get some Jack at:

Amazon (Kindle)  |  Amazon (Print)  |   Barnes and Noble  |  Omnific

 

GIVEAWAY

 

In celebration of Bittersweet Seraphim's release, Debra and Omnific Publishing are giving TWO winners both books in the series, Crushed Seraphim and Bittersweet Seraphim.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There's dinner, the dogs, the kids, and their homework. The laundry pile turns into a big, heaping monster. When the clothes finally make it into the washer, it gets unbalanced and puts on an elaborate show before it cuts out. This crazy job that never ends is her first love and her crowning achievement. Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when along with the dogs, cat, kids, and husband, the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra's ear. Insomnia was the gateway for the plots that wouldn't give up, wouldn't let go. In the shower, a twist would take hold and--dripping and frenzied--she'd find somewhere, anywhere to write it down. Debra grew up in New York and got a bachelor's degree in political science at SUNY New Paltz. At the start of her marriage, she moved to southern Maryland with her husband. She still doesn't trust crabs and all their legs, though everyone else in her family thinks they're delicious. Her favorite hobbies include knitting, painting furniture and wall murals, and slapping clowns. Earlier this year Omnific Publishing published her debut novel, Crushed Seraphim, and she's currently pounding out the sequel to angel Emma's adventures. You can visit her website at www.DebraAnastasia.com and find her on twitter @Debra_Anastasia. (taken from GoodReads)

Review and Giveaway ~ Poughkeepsie 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.

"Love never fails."

My heart, you guys. Poughkeepsie made my heart ache in the way very few books ever have. I don't think, no matter how hard I work to properly explain my feelings, that I will come remotely close to explaining how much I loved Poughkeepsie. Here's my attempt...
A young man with no home and a broken soul sits and waits. He believes that he is a monster. And he waits. He waits for the girl who shares a simple smile with him every day as she leaves and returns to the train station. To Livia, it is a simple gesture, an act of kindness. But to Blake, it means everything.

"Me. She sees me."

Livia sees more than a homeless man sitting on a platform. She sees a beautiful soul. A kind soul.

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

And she doesn't hesitate to come to Blake's defense when he needs it. And so begins Blake and Livia's journey. A journey of friendship, a bonding of souls, a test of courage and an act of faith. Blake and Livia must stand together against outside forces that will force them apart, those who don't or won't understand, and the torment that resides in Blake's mind.
I feel as if I should defend or explain how it comes to be that Livia falls in love with Blake. My only answer to that is "read the book". One chapter, one paragraph will convince you. Poughkeepsie is not a typical love story, in many ways. There are no happy little mistakes, or misunderstandings that test their love. The forces that work against Blake and Livia are dark, deep, and traumatic. But Blake is worth it the trials. Livia is worth the trials. They are a pair that continually defy all that's against them, finding a way to heal and be healed. Love and to receive love. See and be seen.

The secondary characters in Poughkeepsie are simply unparalleled, and could each easily have their own story. Livia's sister Kyle is without a doubt one of the most ridiculously fantastic characters I've had the pleasure of reading. Her talent for crude one-liners is one of the many reasons I loved her. I would find myself busting out laughing, mid-sob, at the jaw-dropping bombs that flew out of her mouth. Most of them are not "review-friendly" but here's one that is (kind of):

"Holy f^*king dogs! You scared the uterus out of me."

You see?! My heart may not have survived without Kyle.

Blake has two brothers, Cole and Beckett. Cole is quiet and haunted. He has worked to build a life that will absolve him of the guilt that plagues him. Cole's devotion to his brothers, and his unwavering, soothing love for the woman who captures his heart made me love him so. And Beckett. Talk about an enigma. On paper, Beckett seems like a man unworthy of love. He's a thug, a hardened criminal who deserves every bad thing headed his way. But in actuality, though Beckett is all of those things, he is more. His love for Cole and Blake is staggering. The lengths he has gone to to protect his brothers will win you over. And as funny as Kyle is, Beckett can stand toe-to-toe with and possibly beat her in a swear battle. To find someone so funny and so proficient in the art of swearing? Be still my heart.

Author Debra Anastasia's tremendous capacity to hold me with her words astounds me. Each sentence, each scene she paints with her words, was a gift. I found myself re-reading lines, trying to wrap my brain around the simple beauty she created. I am at the same time jealous and thankful for authors like Anastasia. but most of all I am grateful.

Poughkeepsie is possibly the most beautiful story I've had the fortune of reading. I simply could not put it down. By the end, I was hiding from my husband, reading with a towel over my mouth so he couldn't hear my sobs. Poughkeepsie is dark and sad at times. It is also full of light and beauty. Poughkeepsie is a story of love in it's simplest, yet bravest form. I am so lucky to have read it.


Favorite Quotes:
I probably highlighted a hundred quotes in Poughkeepsie. So, needless to say, it was hard to narrow it down to two. I hope you enjoy them.

  "Livia struggled to keep her tears to herself. She'd never witnessed such stunning bravery. She could only imagine the full nature of the walls, fears, and pain he climbed over to get to her.
  She wanted to run and meet him in the middle, but she couldn't. He needed to come to her. I will stay put. I will not cry. Come to me. Come to me." (ebook, 42%)


"After a moment Blake looked around his sunny meadow. A breeze stirred the trees high up, and they released a shower of fall colors. In the silence of the day, the leaves hitting the ground sounded like applause. Quiet applause for a quiet victory." (ebook, 43%)


Published November 21, 2011 by Omnific Publishing

 

Read a sample of Poughkeepsie

Watch the amazing trailer.

You can purchase Poughkeepsie at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble |   Book Depository

Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There's dinner, the dogs, the kids, and their homework. The laundry pile turns into a big, heaping monster. When the clothes finally make it into the washer, it gets unbalanced and puts on an elaborate show before it cuts out. This crazy job that never ends is her first love and her crowning achievement. Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when along with the dogs, cat, kids, and husband, the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra's ear. Insomnia was the gateway for the plots that wouldn't give up, wouldn't let go. In the shower, a twist would take hold and--dripping and frenzied--she'd find somewhere, anywhere to write it down. Debra grew up in New York and got a bachelor's degree in political science at SUNY New Paltz. At the start of her marriage, she moved to southern Maryland with her husband. She still doesn't trust crabs and all their legs, though everyone else in her family thinks they're delicious. Her favorite hobbies include knitting, painting furniture and wall murals, and slapping clowns. Earlier this year Omnific Publishing published her debut novel, Crushed Seraphim, and she's currently pounding out the sequel to angel Emma's adventures. You can visit her website at www.DebraAnastasia.com and find her on twitter @Debra_Anastasia. (taken from GoodReads)

Giveaway

I am giving one lucky, lucky person an ebook of Poughkeepsie. And because she is so awesome, author Debra Anastasia has added some fantastic swag to the giveaway! The swag includes:

-a Poughkeepsie charm bracelet

-Poughkeepsie temporary tattoos (same design that's on the cover)

-signed Poughkeepsie train schedule

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Source: Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

TEASER TUESDAY

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along, just do as following:

·Grab your current read
·Open to a random page
·Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
·Be careful not to include any spoilers so as not to ruin the book for others.

Make sure to share the title and the author so other TT participants can add the book to their TBR piles.

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.

Okay, So I read Poughkeepsie last week, and now it's my favorite book. I swear, it is filled with hundreds of worthy quotes. It was awful trying to narrow it down. Come back Thursday to check out my review and giveaway!

My Teaser ~

"Livia could feel Green Eyes standing up behind her. Then she caught his reflection in the shortest attacker's sunglasses. He was easily six feel tall. The teens' faces registered shock as he unfurled himself. But instead of trying to put the fear of God in the bullies, he whispered in her ear.

'You're going to miss your train.' " (ebook, 1%)

" 'Running won't stop me,' she continued. 'I'll keep finding you. I'll keep dragging you back here - right to this spot - until you can stand in the sun. With me.' " (ebook, 42%)

Watch the amazing trailer.

Published November 21, 2011 by Omnific Publishing.

You can purchase Poughkeepsie at:
Amazon  |  Barnes & Noble |   Book Depository