Review: Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Sempre (Forever) by J.M. Darhower

Description:

This is a story about sacrifice... death... love... freedom. This is a story about forever. Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco had vastly different childhoods. Haven, a second-generation slave, grew up isolated in the middle of the desert, her days full of hard work and terrifying abuse. Carmine, born into a wealthy Mafia family, lived a life of privilege, never having to answer for anything he did. Both now seventeen, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide, making them question everything they ever believed. Entangled in a web of secrets and lies, they learn that while different on the surface, they have more in common than anyone would think. In a world full of chaos, where money and power rule, Haven and Carmine yearn to break free, but a string of events that started before either were born threatens to destroy them instead. Murder and betrayal are a way of life, and nothing comes without a price-- especially not freedom. How much will they have to sacrifice? Can they escape their pasts? And, most of all, what does it mean to be free? Not everything is as it seems, and no one can possibly come out unscathed, but maybe, just maybe, it’ll be worth it in the end.

My Thoughts:
This book is not for the faint of heart. Just getting that out there right away. If you are disturbed by the prologue, just know that it gets pretty intense. That said, I read an earlier version of this when it was posted on the internet and I loved it. This version is a lot shorter. It seems more focused and leaves more to the imagination. I still love it. Haven and Carmine are so different, and they are in an impossible situation with so many obstacles, but they still find love. There is quite a bit of action and the story really moves along.  It is hard to put down.  So good.  It really is an amazing story.

Edited to add:

I re-read this before reading Sempre: Redemption. Still as good as the first time, though I read the newest version and there is a bit of editing that makes it move along even better.

My Rating: *****
Steam Factor: !!
*Notes:  Strong language, graphic violence, drug use, underage drinking, human trafficking

Where to get it:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

Where to find the author:
J.M. Darhower
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