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    Sempre
    Sempre
    Sempre
    Audiobook19 hours

    Sempre

    Written by J.M. Darhower

    Narrated by Carla Mercer-Meyer

    4.5/5

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    About this audiobook

    Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco grew up under vastly different circumstances. Haven, a second-generation slave, was 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 and excess.

    Now a twist of fate has caused their worlds to collide. 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 began before either of them were born threatens to destroy them instead. Murder and betrayal are a way of life, and nothing comes without a price-especially not freedom. But how much will they have to sacrifice? Can they escape their pasts? And, most of all, what does it mean to be free?
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateDec 30, 2013
    ISBN9781452688343
    Author

    J.M. Darhower

    J.M. Darhower lives in a tiny town in the Carolinas with her family.

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    Reviews for Sempre

    4.5/5

    131 ratings12 reviews

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    • 3/5
      This book had me expecting worse.

      I'm not sure why but I went in expecting not the best and left pleased.

      I didn't love it enough to continue the series anytime soon but book one is pretty good.
    • 5/5
      This book was unlike anything I have ever read before. It gave me butterflies, made my heart race, and left me with a huge book hangover.



      Haven is living in hell. Her mama always tells her to get out and when she does, she gets caught. She is taken to an unknown home that occupies a man and his two boys. She has no idea what to expect... The man is nice, yet mean. He wants to be kind, yet he wants to hurt her. She is scared and when the sons befriend her she is not sure what to think.



      Carmine is the typical popular, bad boy with a major attitude. He hooks up with many girls and can't get through a day of school without trouble. He is intrigued by Haven and can't accept what she went through. The more he learns, the more he wants to protect her.



      Together they embark on an emotional rollercoaster of first love and forbidden love.



      The Author is now on my list of Favorite Authors of All Time!! The storyline pulls you in and doesn't let you out. I found myself wanting to read for hours and never put it down. While it was dark and emotional, it brought light and hope. I was so twisted up in this story and the characters that I found myself talking to the book. There were parts that gutted me, parts that made me swoon, and parts that made me think what in the .... is going to happen. When I finished, I immediately needed book 2.



      I highly recommend this book!
      Please keep in mind that it is a dark read with an unconventional romance.
    • 4/5
      Haven...what a messed up childhood she has had! Never free. Carmine..part-time jerk, part-time hero for me. Throw in the rest of his family whom I hated at the beginning but grew to like as the story unfolded. (And this story is anything but predictable!)This is definitely one of those love/hate reads. Author has you all over the place trying to figure things out. A young love romance with a mob background. Steam, suspense, angst...this book has it all. And while it didn't end on a cliffhanger totally, there is definitely more to this story. Great read!
    • 4/5
      4.5 super stars!! I loved so much about this book. The characters were so...real. How JM Darhower did such an amazing job at getting inside the head of these people, I will never know. It takes an amazing amount of talent to create characters that you can relate to when you have lives like theirs.

      There was so much about this book that struck me as brilliant. The relationship between Carmine and Haven...so pure and real.Vincent's character, holy crap. He was so awful, yet you felt so much empathy for him. Even the supporting characters were full of life and complexity.

      If you want a story that will completely engross you and make you feel, get this. It's honestly one of the most well written books I have read in a long time!
    • 5/5
      ***Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review***

      This book ended up being so much more than I expected. It drew me in instantly. I couldn't put it down,wanting to find out what was going to happen next. Trying to figure out every secret.

      Haven is a slave. She has been since birth, but when she was seven she saw something that would always stick with her, something that reminded her to always do as she was told. Her life was rough, she was barely alive and malnourished. However, even though she has been through so much she was strong. I think that is what I liked most about Haven. She wanted to live. She could of easily made one wrong move and been killed but the fact that she didn't? She wanted to live. Survivor. I know it sounds a little silly but it is the best way to sum her up. I don't want to say much because I don't want to tell anything so I will leave it at that.

      Carmine was more than I expected. I am not sure how I really thought he was going to be though. But I liked him, temper and all. I think he overreacted at times, okay, a lot. But I can understand him. I loved watching him and Haven together. They both grew up. It doesn't matter that they were 17, they truly grew up together. What goes on between these two is what makes this story so good. Carmine may teach Haven about life, but she also teaches him about living as well.

      The Mafia aspect of the story was done very well! I love a good crime/mystery story and the turns in the plot kept me on my toes. Some of the twists were expected, other were not. I look forward to reading other books by J.M. Darhower!
    • 4/5
      Recivied a ARC copy from Netgalley for my honest review, may contain spoilersA sexy novel about two seventeen-year-olds—one a victim of human trafficking; the other the son of the man who enslaved her—who fall in love and question everything they ever believed…Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco grew up under vastly different circumstances. Haven, a second-generation slave, was 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 and excess.Now, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide. 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 began before either of them were born threatens to destroy them instead. Murder and betrayal are a way of life, and nothing comes without a price—especially not freedom. But how much will they have to sacrifice? Can they escape their pasts? And, most of all, what does it mean to be free?I will start off by saying this book was Amazing for all that happened while reading it. It was my first time reading one of J.M. Darhower books and I was pleased with the writing. The only that got me was when the conversation changed from different characters it was not distinguished. Sempre is about Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco were two teenagers with very very different up bringing they helped each other live again and learn together things that had been forgotten or never knew. They were in love with each other. Haven was born into slavery but not the slavery you are thinking about. It was more being held captive with no way out. Some form of human trafficking in the mob world. Carmine was born into a Hardcore Italian family, his mom was Irish and once a former slave. Carmine the "Mob Prince" is what his godfather called him. Vincent DeMarco was Carmine dad he was a well known doctor with strong ties to the familia he tried his hardest to keep his sons away from that life, but in the end Carmine made the deal with Devil to save Haven the girl he would die for. Carmine mom was murdered when he was young and he witnessed it and that changed there family forever, the murder had to do with information she knew about Haven. Maura, Carmine mom was a women with a need to help others and she set her eyes on Haven when she was very young her need to help her was strong. Vincent tried his hardest to help Haven as his wife would have wanted it, but it wasn't like that at all.That need to help is the main focal point in this book. The events that happened, that occurred, that surrounded this little girl from a child to adult hood can be heart wrenching, happy, sad, and vial. What one person life is to everyone around her means is different to every character in this book. What is very straight forward is the love these 2 teenagers have for each other, one would say what would they know about love. Ones heart is what makes you love someone very strong.I could keep going on about this book but the point is not to tell you every single thing in the book that is not the point. The point is for everyone to read it and get drawn in by this story that is mind boggling. I would definitely wish and hope you take the time to read this book , I most defiantly will PIMP this BOOK out.
    • 4/5
      It took me forever (see what I did there?) to read this book. I read the ff version and LOVED it and I just thought it wouldn't be a big deal if I didn't read the book because, well, I already knew the story. I kept waiting until I felt like the book version was a bit more price friendly... I wanted to hold this story in my hands, but I finally gave out and got the e-book version. AND I'M SO GLAD I DID!

      I just love, love, LOVE this story. And the editing for publishing was so beautifully done, you can tell there was a lot of thought put into it and it really made the book all the better for it.

      Carmine and Haven are swoony and complicated and broken and all the things I already knew they would be. I root for them so bad...

      But I will always have a soft spot for Dr. DeMarco, I love the depth of his character, he is beautifully written and it makes my heart ache.

      Now, I hear there's an Unnamed Sequel to be had...can I get in my hands sooner rather than later? Please and thank you!
    • 3/5
      Carmine: bad boy womanizer, rich son of a well known Mobster and a guy who uses his fists...A lot.Haven: pretty, quiet uneducated girl. A second generation slave who grew up under the iron fist of her masters.Now both at the age of 17, life is ready crash into them and its not going to be pretty. Carmines father has purchased Haven for his own and being a GPS'd chipped slave leaves very little chance for her to escape. Over the daily routines of cleaning, cooking and maintaining the household of three men, Haven begins to accept her new plot in life, even her new found friendship with Carmine helps her through the days in this new place.Carmine at first doesn't really understand that Haven is a slave, he's so wrapped up in violence and the mob, little else is seen. As the friendship grows into love and Carmine and Haven begin a physical relationship, he soon learns her history and circumstances and vows to change her life. As Carmine digs deeper into Havens past and discovers shocking, life altering truths that has the potential to destroy his family and places Havens in direct danger, he is left making some very hard choices, some that should never be made on another persons behalf.Sempre had an intriguing premise in the world of organized crime and the Italian Mob. A strong background story and a made-for TV drama mini-series feel, I really enjoyed diving into the dynamic of the characters and for the most part, liked the love story. I admired Darhower's serious look into human slavery going on in the US and I appreciate that she didn't downplay anything in this world of the mafia and crime that go's on under our nose.However...Sempre was so long I think my roots grew out while reading it, much of the story was so redundant that over a 100 pages could have been cut out. Pacing really dragged once the middle hit, and Carmine was a huge pain in the butt for most of the story, also while I understood Haven's insecurity it drove me CRAZY!! Not sure Im a fan of the ending, although overall the book was worth reading and I don't regret experiencing it.RatingRecommended to adult readers 18&up and contains: Murder, violence (mild-graphic), strong language, slavery, abuse, domestic abuse, mob/crime boss activities, suicide, attempted rape, drug use, and mild sexuality.
    • 5/5
      “All those people died and it didn't change anything, because it doesn't work if they don't enforce it. They just ignore it, turn their backs and say it’s not their problem, but it is. It's everyone's problem. They can say slavery ended all they want, but that doesn't make it true. People lie. They'll tell you what they think you wanna hear, and you’ll believe it. Whatever makes you feel better about your dismal little lives.”


      I danced around this one for quite a while because I already read it as fanfiction. It's hard to explain but I expect different things from a fanfiction than I do from a book.

      While the storyline was the same, this book was still properly edited and hadn't I known that it was a fanfiction before that, I probably wouldn't have guessed it.

      To be honest, I was surprised that I loved it just as much the second time around. I have to admit though, reading it the second time, I was a bit more relaxed and could pay more attention to details. When I was reading the fanfiction, I was always so excited when I received an E-mail that it was updated that my eyes flew over the words.

      The minute the second book is on the shelves, I'll buy it. I already know a part of what is going to happen if it strays true to it's fanfiction storyline and it won't be an easy read but I know that I will love every second of it.

      I really enjoyed the dynamic between Carmine and Haven, especially in the beginning. It doesn't even occur to Carmine and Dominic that she could be a slave, despite her strange behaviour. And I think that's a realistic view - hell, that thought would've never entered my mind had I met someone like Haven.

      It shows me that I am, too, naive and ignorant at times and that maybe I should be a little bit more aware of what happens in the world around me.

      The characters engaged me completely, the author made it easy to feel right a long with them, empathize with them or feel anger for them and their situations. I adored most of them, a part of me even felt for Dr. DeMarco and the pain he must've felt seeing Haven every day.

      This isn't always a pretty story but it tells you a wondeful tale about love, growing up under intense expectations, about forgiveness that's not always easy to give and making amends but most importantly it's about being free, having dreams and simply living your life.
    • 4/5
      Sempre was an intricate web of betrayal and lies. The dark and twisted world of the Mafia plays throughout this novel. Haven is a victim of the human trafficking at the hands of these dangerous men, but the story the ensues is shocking and terrifying. Fate leads her into the hands of Vincent DeMarco, but her journey is far from over. As she comes to grips with this unknown world of freedom, she will learn that hope is just over the horizon. Carmine, the Mafian prince and son of Vincent Demarco, has been fighting his own battles for years. Scarred from his owe past he is a prisoner in his own life. Even with the mountainous differences between these characters readers will recognize the common traits that leads to one very dangerous but powerful love story. The twists and turns of this story leave readers exhausted and dizzy with the momentum of change. Never the Less the intensity and captivation will keep you trudging through the journey of highs and lows. This was deeply emotional and gripping novel that will have readers reeling long after the last word. This is not your happy easy love story. While enthralling and captivating it is a long and tedious journey that will not be forgotten. ~BookWhisperer Reviewer JO~
    • 5/5
      Okay, let me tell you I'm a sucker for HEA especially when it comes to romance (What can I say... I'm a hopeless romantic). I was very skeptical with this one because of the dark tone of the book. It's hard to think that this book wasn't going to break my heart! But I can't even begin to say how such an exquisite of a read this was. I just fell in love. Colpo di fulmine. I adored the characters. Especially Haven.. oh my poor little Haven. My heartstrings got tugged at a little violently when it came to that girl. I read other materials involving slavery and all but with her perspective printed, it was so believable, that I forgot this was fiction for a second. And Carmine, oh carmine, this boy made my heart ache and swoon at the same time. As much as an asshole he was sometimes, I really loved him from the start. It wasn't even an option! As much fucked up some characters were, they were memorable. I had a soft spot for Dr. DeMarco, his story was just.... heartbreaking. And Dominic, I relished everytime I see his name on the pages. The felt like the lifeguard of the story sometimes. Add in a little Dominic humor, you'll be guaranteed a smile.I loved Haven and Carmine's story. They say it's like a modern version of Romeo and Juliet, Carmine would definitely disagree with me and I can't help but to agree to disagree...“How about we just be Haven and Carmine?” she suggested. “We don’t know the ending, but we can always hope for the best.”“I like that,” he said. “Besides, there’s a reason we don’t know how the story ends.”“Why?”“Because it doesn’t.”Ah.... the beauty of first love was told perfectly here and with a very realistic yet thrilling twist. Not to mention, you'll get to learn couple of swoon-y Italian lines/words here and there.When Carmine called Haven, "Tesoro", It felt like DeJaVu with Beautiful Disaster when Travis called Abby, "Pidge". I really don't know how to explain it but there's something about these guy giving these girls weird ass names that are just so heartwarming. I guess, that's what happens when you're in love. Love can definitely make you weird and that's the beauty of it.It is a very long read but trust me, it's worth it and you'll definitely be begging for more! I know I am, I can't wait for the sequel. I'm definitely ordering it as soon as it comes out.
    • 3/5
      Oh, how I so wanted to like this book. Everyone I know loved it so much. It came so highly recommended. And yet, I just could not get into it.This is the story of Haven, a slave, who is "rescued" and taken to live with Dr. Demarco and his two sons, Dominic and Carmine. It's the story of how Haven slowly grows and eventually becomes free, while learning how to live on her and own and falling in love. It's the story about two young kids fighting to keep their love and their lives. A story of the mafia and it's rules; of death and destruction of family and lives. It's the story of things being withheld and everyone having secrets. It's the story of what it means to be a family and sacrifice everything for the ones you love.The concept of this story was really great. It's really a Cinderella story: Haven being the long lost Italian princess who is treated like the help. The story line is changed around a bit to include "step brothers" and a "step father" rather than the usual female leads. And eventually that family comes around to realize she has much worth.The story started off well, with a good amount of action. And then it just stalls. It felt like I was running through the same scenarios for the entire book: Haven is clueless, Carmine gets frustrated trying to teach her something, Haven learns that thing (sort of) and then they move on to the next thing, all the while falling in love.Part of my issue with this book could be that it was originally written as Twilight Fan Fiction. I found out this information right before I started the book, which (having just come down from a Fifty high and knowing what kind of writing that was) may have clouded my judgment a bit.The the writing was fairly good. I liked the use of the Italian throughout the book. It did give you more of a sense that they were connected to la famiglia. I did think that Carmine cursed too much. While this was supposed to show what his character was like, I think it was quite overdone.The other issue I had was the slowness of the book. It's so long and there is not much action. I kept waiting for something to happen. I had this anticipation which was never quenched. It's not until you get to the last 10% of the book where the story really takes off and things happen. Most of the book you are left in the dark, with the main characters saying "forget it" a lot when they don't want to explain things to each other. This is supposed to make it more suspenseful but with the book being so long it just seemed like it took forever to really get into the story line. About 1/2 way through the book we learn that Haven is not who we thought she was and this information is kept from her to protect her. I found this information confusing, to be honest. I didn't really grasp why they did not want her actual identity revealed. It didn't seem to me that it would have made such a huge difference in the organization.Honestly, I was just bored with this book. It took me over a week to read it, not usual for me when I'm really into a book and don't want to put it down.I give this book a 2.5/5 stars.