Name: Poughkeepsie
ISBN: 9781936305940

Debra Anastasia

Poughkeepsie

Ella Zegarra

Lacey

Originally posted at Booklovers For Life

I don’t even know where to begin with the book. Poughkeepsie was beautiful. Enchanting. And so very, very heartwarming. I loved every single part of this book! From the story to the characters to the writing, everything was flawless. And that last line of the blurb–”racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once”–perfectly describes Poughkeepsie. This book will make you laugh and giggle, and then sigh and swoon. But there’s also so much action going on too! Poughkeepsie kept me on the edge of my seat, and there was never a dull moment while reading.

Most of the book is mainly about Livia and Blake and their enchanting love story. Livia is just a normal, kind woman who manages to smile every day for this one homeless man in the train station she goes to. And that homeless man is Blake. He’s only 25, but the reasons for why he’s homeless is tragic and so heartbreaking. Blake will make you melt. Even though he has such a painful past, he still manages to have a heart of gold. He is the perfect gentleman, and says the sweetest things. He counts all of Livia’s smiles! *Siiigh*

As he and Livia become closer, as they fall more in love, they have to face problems dealing with Blake’s homelessness and his one other problem that I don’t want to say because it’s a spoiler! I adored reading Blake and Livia’s love story. It’s so raw and emotional and full of love; these two are perfect for each other.

“Me? I want you to be sure,” he said.
“You,” Livia whispered.
“Me.” His eyes were full of intent.
“Always you.” Livia gave him her biggest, heartfelt smile.
“Five hundred.” Blake touched her face as if she might be a mirage and smiled back only when she didn’t disappear.

We also get introduced to Blake’s brothers Beckett and Cole. They aren’t truly brothers, but they’re brothers in all the ways that count except for blood. They’ve all got matching tattoos to symbolize their brotherhood. A music clef for Blake, who is a piano genius; a cross for Cole, who is a priest’s assistant; and a sword for Beckett, who walked into the bad side of town at the tender age of 18 so he could find a way to rule and protect his brothers. These three have such a powerful, unwavering bond, and I loved the relationship dynamics between them all. With Beckett, he’s rude and crass and so freaking hilarious, but he loves his brothers so, so much. He’d kill for them–actually, he has–and protecting them is his number one priority. Cole and Blake are quieter people, but they are no less loving.

And Blake’s not the only lucky one who gets to fall in love. Livia and Blake are center stage, but Cole and Beckett take the spotlight sometimes too. We get to see all the brothers fall in love, and fight for their loved ones. I fell in love with all the characters and their stories. This book is so unique, and I couldn’t put it down for a second. Poughkeepsie is an absolutely fabulous read, one I highly recommend!

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