Review: Poughkeepsie Begins (Poughkeepsie Brotherhood #0.5) by Debra Anastasia

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Poughkeepsie Begins (Poughkeepsie Brotherhood #0.5)
by Debra Anastasia

 

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It ends with the beginning. This legendary, indie, cult-favorite series ends its tale with the story of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood before the tattoo. Before the train station, before the church, before a criminal empire there was a foster home and three teen boys who chose each other as family, because the ones they were born into didn’t exist.

Still in high school, Beckett is already laying the groundwork for a grander life ahead, one where his brothers want for nothing and get some respect for once. But even as he plans, Beckett must decide if he’s ready to make that choice—diving in to a life that trades his chance at a future, his chance at something as simple as first love with a girl named Candy Cox, for their chance to find happiness.

Blake, Beckett, and Cole’s devotion to each other is forged by fists and the driving need to belong somewhere, to do more than just survive this life. Readers of the series know they each get there in the end, but before we count smiles, we must first shed tears. These early days of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood will play on your heartstrings before serrating them with a knife; they’ll lift your soul with music, only to leave you with nothing but a desperate prayer for hope.

And when you reach the end of the beginning, you’ll be ready to start the series all over again.

 

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4 out of 5 stars

Oh my goodness... I'm not even sure what to say. This story is compelling and heart wrenching and had my emotions everywhere. It's sad but full of hope at the same time. It was a beautiful introduction to the series.

Beckett, Blake, and Cole, are these complex characters who are deeply wounded from past experiences but find family in one another. Even though hard things are happening it's really uplifting. I had all these questions and just wanted to know why they were how they were because some of their actions are heartbreaking. There is a nice, slow build to the details and I was mesmerized. Each boy has their own hardships but I was rooting for them. Hard lives, hard situations but they're all so sweet deep down, I just wanted to hug them and help them heal. Especially Beckett. So many wrong choices for the right reasons... for love and survival. These boys have my head a mess! Debra Anastasia really makes you feel for this characters... it was intense and emotional.

I enjoyed the teen angst with Candy and Beckett over the development in their relationship. It was challenging, sweet, raw, and real. What Beckett wants for Candy is a really nice thing and I love that even though it was hard, that he made the decision he made.

I have not read any of the other Poughkeepsie stories yet but after reading this I definitely will because I need to know what happened to these men. A really great read!

Complimentary copy received for honest review.

 

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Purchase your copy of Poughkeepsie Begins

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble | iTunes

Connect with Debra Anastasia

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Author on Amazon

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Poughkeepsie (#1)Amazon US | Amazon UK

Return to Poughkeepsie (#2)Amazon US | Amazon UK

Saving Poughkeepsie (#3)Amazon US | Amazon UK

[Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series on Goodreads]

 

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