Reviews

Sempre by J.M. Darhower

lindsayaunderwood's review against another edition

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3.0

Young and unbelievable, but I think enjoyed it more since I read it on vacation.

chapter_chaser's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5 stars

justinelbz's review

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3.0

It was a good book, I just regret that it was a bit of an insta-love (it’s not a bad thing but I have a preference for slow-burn). It was a bit long also.

sarahslivres's review

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fast-paced

1.0

halynah's review against another edition

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5.0

Emotional and heartbreaking book,definitely a must-read. It tells about horrible things, but also has great examples of true love, loyalty and sacrifice. My favourite character was Dominic all the way. There are many colourful characters in this book, so those who appreciate charisma in book personages,will love it. I won't retell the blurb,I just highly recommend it!

schnarah's review

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3.0

I've never read a Mafia romance like this one, while crime and the tragedy that follows the lifestyle play a big role in their lives, Carmine and Haven still have an air of innocence about them. They are just two teens with a troubled past who slowly become friends and fall in love.

mbfeeney's review against another edition

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4.0

I read this story originally as the fanfiction Emancipation Proclamation and it was one of my favourites. After the whole 50/MotU debacle, I admit I was wary about reading the published version in case it was a mere find/replace job as E. L. James did. Someone please slap me for waiting so long!

This book was different from the original which proved that Darhower put a lot of time and effort into making the book the best it could be for both new fans and those who loved EP.

Haven and Carmine are great lead characters in that they are relateable despite the situation they have been put in. Haven is instantly likeable due to the reader pitying her and her background. Yet it soon becomes clear that she is much stronger than she initially appears.

Carmine on the other hand, Carmine at first glance is a brat. Rich, spoilt, and a bit of a manwhore. As the story moves on and the reader gets to know him as Haven does, he becomes far more likeable.

They are supported by an amaxing support cast of characters. Sometimes, secondary characters can often read as filler or a bit flat, but none of the Sempre characters do.

The pace of the story is rapid yet never feels rushed. There's just enough action or romance to keep us guessing and wanting to read what happens next. I literally read 3/4 of the book in one night without even realising.

Darhower has a fluid writing style that just sucks the reader in and makes them care about the story and characters. The reader becomes invested right up to the very final word.

Knowing this is the first book in a series is quite possibly the best news as even though Sempre 'could' stand alone, it leaves far too many loose ends. Haven and Carmine's story needs to continue and I can't wait to read more!

devansbooklife's review against another edition

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4.0

I read and listened to this book having bought the audio book with the kindle version. I really enjoyed the narrator, she recounted many perspectives in this story and handled all voices well. I liked the book and really enjoyed Carmine and Haven together. Their story represents freedom and growth, both individually and together. The twist and turns keep me eagerly anticipating every word. I am looking forward to the second book and hope that they can find their forever.

suzysuzy34's review

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5.0

I’m going to dedicate this review to my book buddy friend, Saunders, as once again lol, I should have listened to her wonderful advice and stuck with this book, instead I read up until 40% on three separate occasions and each time and put the book down.

The difference this time being I let the characters become my friends, I wanted to carry on reading, I read it slower than usual as I wanted to absorb the story.

So thank you once again Saunders for your recommendation once again you don’t let me down.

amydavy4's review against another edition

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5.0

Loved this book! There's so many twists in it. I feel bad that Carmine has to end up joining the Mafia, but I know he and Haven will find a happy life.