Sempre

Forever Series, Book 1

By: J. M. Darhower

Narrated by: Carla Mercer-Meyer

Length: 19 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

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?

©2013 Jessica Mae Darhower (P)2013 Tantor

Surprising!

This book is so freaking long and I have ADHD so I’m amazed it was able to keep my attention as well as it did. The pacing of this story is excellent and the writing and characters mature despite the main characters being so young. It wasn’t an amazing story and by the end, I really didn’t feel any connection or strong feelings for any of the characters (except Nicholas, but...). However, I think this book is well worth the listen or a credit.

Addictive couldn't stop listening

What a great story, Not one I would normally choose but I am so glad I did. The story is so well written and the reader so engrossing I had a hard time pausing the book. The characters are ones you will love and some you will hate. This emotional story has just enough positive happy events that you don't get lost in the bad things that happen

One of the best narrators I have ever heard

I truly enjoyed this book, I couldn't get a handle on Vincent for a long time but he was so interesting. I admired and wanted to throttle him with his parenting skills. Haven was very sweet with inner strength. Carmine, well I know he was the yin to Haven's yang but I can't say I liked him very much. His mouth was such a problem, I understand his anger with his dad and getting in trouble at school. though why his father didn't get him therapy when it all happened I don't know. The one thing I didn't get was why would a certain person want to kill Haven if she's family. Dominic is a perfect medium for that family, love Dia as well. Tess is a bit of a pain. I could go on but I'd give spoilers. Great book.

One of my favorites!!

Theirs is one of my favorite stories and it was a pleasure to listen to.

Entertaining

It’s a great book that keeps you going until the end. I like how they incorporate love into the mafia story.

loved it!

Would you consider the audio edition of Sempre to be better than the print version?

yes only cause i am a listener and get a better visual

What was one of the most memorable moments of Sempre?

when they first met in the kitchen

Which character – as performed by Carla Mercer-Meyer – was your favorite?

loved all of them, but if i had to choose would be Corrado

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

mafia love

Amazing.

I read the the book three years ago and till today it is one of my favorite book. But Ms. Mercer-Meyer took the story to a whole new dimension; I was able to absorb Carmine raw emotions, and feel his pain along with him.

5 Star + !!!

I loved this book so much and bawled my eyes out listening to this. This book was written so well that even with the happiness the two shared, I could still feel the darkness looming on that edge around them. I seriously could picture everything that was described as if it was a movie, like it would have this glow of sadness and depression but yet a ray of hope bc of the love Haven and Carmine had for each other. I definitely recommend this book to others, you get the real truth of how a teenager would actually act, instead of how others portray teenagers in other books, "making" mature decisions like a 30 year old would. In this book you see the growth of the two and just like teenagers trying to become adults they don't know what to do in life except love each other, and make wrong decisions. I really loved the growth in this book with the two and even more so in the next book too. My heart went out to the two and was wishing so much for them to just get a happy ever after with all the suffering they both endured. Loved it, cried for them and the other characters, and definitely recommend this book and the second!

Narrator

The narrator absolutely killed it. She did every voice and character justice and then some.

Great start to a wonderful ending

Where does Sempre rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I believe its up there in the top 5

What other book might you compare Sempre to and why?

I have never read a book like this, usually I stay away from mob type book, but this was worth it...... wonderful.

Which character – as performed by Carla Mercer-Meyer – was your favorite?

Carmine DeMarco.... for sure

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I can not pick one, but the life of Haven before Carmine

Any additional comments?

You have to read or listen to both of theses books...... awesome!!!!! I can't wait to read something else by this author J.M. Darhower is wonderful.