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Sempre #2.5
Forever
Halloween.
With a three year old.
'Nuff said.
With a three year old.
'Nuff said.
531 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2014
30 people are currently reading
1536 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
April 16, 2015
*****FOUR TESORO STARS*****
But then she happened. The girl who had never been able to call her life her own taught a boy who had the world at his fingertips exactly what it meant to live. He wasn't alone anymore.
Carmine DeMarco and Haven Antonelli grew up in entirely different worlds but had been linked to each other through a devastating incident that occurred when they were about 7 years old.
I really hate the fact that slavery still exists in this day and age and my heart broke for poor Haven, who from birth was labeled a slave. She had only ever suffered cruelty at the hands of her birth father and his evil wife. Until one day Dr Vincent DeMarco buys Haven from Michael Antonelli, and brings her back home to live with him and his two sons. She becomes a live in maid, cooking and cleaning for the DeMarco family.
Carmine is Vincent's rebellious seventeen year old son. He's popular with all the girls at school and spends most of his time getting high and screwing around with random girls. But all of this changes once Haven comes to stay at his house. They spend time together and soon he finds himself falling for the shy and beautiful girl.
The love story is pretty freaking beautiful, but I struggled a lot while reading this one. Honestly, I think it was just a tab bit too long. At times it felt more of a YA story than one with a Mafia theme to it. There were parts I really loved, like the time Carmine firsts teaches Haven how to drive. I could visualize that entire scene and it had me cracking up.
I absolutely LOVED Carmine!! His foul mouthed smart aleck comebacks made me bust out laughing so many times. I loved how he was always encouraging Haven to do or to be whatever she wanted to be. He would do anything to make her happy and to keep her safe.
The last 20% is where the story started to finally pick up for me and this is where all the Mafia action comes into play. I definitely can see why so many of my friends have a thing for Corrado. I am very anxious to read his book!! I will say that I am glad that I finally got around to reading this one but maybe I'll try to read the others when I'm on vacation as they seem to be even longer than a KA book!!
But then she happened. The girl who had never been able to call her life her own taught a boy who had the world at his fingertips exactly what it meant to live. He wasn't alone anymore.
Carmine DeMarco and Haven Antonelli grew up in entirely different worlds but had been linked to each other through a devastating incident that occurred when they were about 7 years old.
I really hate the fact that slavery still exists in this day and age and my heart broke for poor Haven, who from birth was labeled a slave. She had only ever suffered cruelty at the hands of her birth father and his evil wife. Until one day Dr Vincent DeMarco buys Haven from Michael Antonelli, and brings her back home to live with him and his two sons. She becomes a live in maid, cooking and cleaning for the DeMarco family.
Carmine is Vincent's rebellious seventeen year old son. He's popular with all the girls at school and spends most of his time getting high and screwing around with random girls. But all of this changes once Haven comes to stay at his house. They spend time together and soon he finds himself falling for the shy and beautiful girl.
The love story is pretty freaking beautiful, but I struggled a lot while reading this one. Honestly, I think it was just a tab bit too long. At times it felt more of a YA story than one with a Mafia theme to it. There were parts I really loved, like the time Carmine firsts teaches Haven how to drive. I could visualize that entire scene and it had me cracking up.
I absolutely LOVED Carmine!! His foul mouthed smart aleck comebacks made me bust out laughing so many times. I loved how he was always encouraging Haven to do or to be whatever she wanted to be. He would do anything to make her happy and to keep her safe.
The last 20% is where the story started to finally pick up for me and this is where all the Mafia action comes into play. I definitely can see why so many of my friends have a thing for Corrado. I am very anxious to read his book!! I will say that I am glad that I finally got around to reading this one but maybe I'll try to read the others when I'm on vacation as they seem to be even longer than a KA book!!
November 25, 2013
❤❦ 5+++ Cannolis Rating ❤❦
My Carmine
My Haven
This book blew my mind! Wow... I have no words that will do justice to it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
... and by lightening they meet. Haven is a 2nd generation slave to a family that has some shady connections to an Italian Mafia. The treatment that she and her mother receive remind me so much of the worst thing imaginable of slavery and a cult brainwashing.
One day she runs to have a better life and possibly somehow give better life to her mother... but she just ends up where she began except she is pawned off to a real Mafia Soldier. A grieving father, doctor and mafiosa brings her into his house as a "maid".
Both of his sons like her... but only one draws her out as she is healing him. Healing him from the pain of being an 8 year old boy who witnesses his mother's death.
This story is truly heartbreaking as there is no miracle cure that makes Haven better. It is hard and persistent work to introduce a 17 year old into a real world where going into a food store is confusing, frustrating and stressful process.
On top of it all there is very curious Mafia members sniffing around her and it puts you on edge as you are thinking "Well fuck... what do they want with a 17 year old girl" But believe me a lot...
So much truth comes out to take down anyone but thankfully Haven completely trusts Carmine. She is no weak woman... she may be cracked and shy as a mouse... but she has Carmine, his love and growing hope.
It is a fabulous, fabulous and completely crazy story that made me tear up and hug my kindle at least dozen times.
HIGHLY recommend! and can't wait for book #2
SEMPRE
Grabbing her hand, he pressed it gently to his chest. His skin was warm to the touch, and she could slightly feel his pulse pounding against her palm. “Do you feel that? I’m not going anywhere, Haven. This is yours.”
My Carmine
My Haven
This book blew my mind! Wow... I have no words that will do justice to it.
*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can’t be denied. It’s beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there’s no going back from it. Once the thunderbolt hits, your life is irrevocably changed.
“Colpo di fulmine?” he suggested. She just stared at him, and he smiled.
“I guess you’re gonna want a translation.”
“Please.”
“It’s when you’re drawn to someone so forcefully that it’s like being struck by lightning.”
... and by lightening they meet. Haven is a 2nd generation slave to a family that has some shady connections to an Italian Mafia. The treatment that she and her mother receive remind me so much of the worst thing imaginable of slavery and a cult brainwashing.
One day she runs to have a better life and possibly somehow give better life to her mother... but she just ends up where she began except she is pawned off to a real Mafia Soldier. A grieving father, doctor and mafiosa brings her into his house as a "maid".
Both of his sons like her... but only one draws her out as she is healing him. Healing him from the pain of being an 8 year old boy who witnesses his mother's death.
“‘il tempo guarisce tutti i mali.’ It means ‘time heals all wounds’ in Italian.”
This story is truly heartbreaking as there is no miracle cure that makes Haven better. It is hard and persistent work to introduce a 17 year old into a real world where going into a food store is confusing, frustrating and stressful process.
On top of it all there is very curious Mafia members sniffing around her and it puts you on edge as you are thinking "Well fuck... what do they want with a 17 year old girl" But believe me a lot...
So much truth comes out to take down anyone but thankfully Haven completely trusts Carmine. She is no weak woman... she may be cracked and shy as a mouse... but she has Carmine, his love and growing hope.
She hadn’t known what love was, but she knew it now. Love was the fluttering in her tummy whenever Carmine was near, the twinkle in his eye when he laughed, the heat in her body from his words. Love was happy. Love was safe. Love was green. Love was him, the beautifully flawed boy who made her glow.
It is a fabulous, fabulous and completely crazy story that made me tear up and hug my kindle at least dozen times.
Grabbing her hand, he pressed it gently to his chest. His skin was warm to the touch, and she could slightly feel his pulse pounding against her palm. “Do you feel that? I’m not going anywhere, Haven. This is yours.”
HIGHLY recommend! and can't wait for book #2
October 21, 2016
Reading this novella brings tears to my eyes. It's so beautiful.. so poignant. There aren't enough words to describe it. I just love this series and all of the characters. It has a special place in my heart. *sobs
February 23, 2013
WOW!!!!!! So Amazing!!!!!!! Loved It!!!!!!
5 Spectacular Stars!!!!
"Some things in life only happen once, the memories of them lasting forever. they're moments that alter you, turning you into a person you never thought you'd become, but someone you were always destined to be."
This book was soooo good!! After reading the first chapter I was hooked. I freaking loved it!!! It’s an intense gut wrenching story that will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
I felt bad for Haven. She was born into some horrible circumstances where she had no control over her fate. She had to endure mental and physical abuse at the hand of evil individuals. Regardless of her situation, she still had so much strength and determination to survive it was so inspiring. I was happy when she moved in with the Demarco family. It was great seeing Haven actually live for the first time. It made me feel like we take the simple things like sleeping in a nice bed for granted.
Carmine is this tattooed foul mouth bad boy who confidence will make you fall in love with him. I think what I loved most about Carmine is when Haven came into his life he completely changed for her. There was no question in his mind that Haven wasn’t for him. I think it’s so sexy when a guy knows what he wants and goes after it and that’s exactly what Carmine did. The only problem I had with Carmine is he can be really rude and disrespectful at times. I understand why he reacted the way he did, but I just feel like he could’ve handled some situations in a different way.
"Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can’t be denied. It’s beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there’s no going back from it. Once the thunderbolt hits, your life is irrevocably changed."
Haven and Carmine were both so broken and they were the only ones who could fix each other. Their journey was so cute and innocent it was just so amazing to see it unfold throughout the book. I loved how they completed each other. Carmine brought out the spunky spirited side of Haven, while Haven helped Carmine open up his heart again. I just loved them!!!
Everything about this book was brilliant!!! J.M. Darhower knows how to draw you into her story to live, breathe and feel it. This book is definitely a must read. It was amazing!!!
5 Spectacular Stars!!!!
"Some things in life only happen once, the memories of them lasting forever. they're moments that alter you, turning you into a person you never thought you'd become, but someone you were always destined to be."
This book was soooo good!! After reading the first chapter I was hooked. I freaking loved it!!! It’s an intense gut wrenching story that will leave you on the edge of your seat wondering what is going to happen next.
I felt bad for Haven. She was born into some horrible circumstances where she had no control over her fate. She had to endure mental and physical abuse at the hand of evil individuals. Regardless of her situation, she still had so much strength and determination to survive it was so inspiring. I was happy when she moved in with the Demarco family. It was great seeing Haven actually live for the first time. It made me feel like we take the simple things like sleeping in a nice bed for granted.
Carmine is this tattooed foul mouth bad boy who confidence will make you fall in love with him. I think what I loved most about Carmine is when Haven came into his life he completely changed for her. There was no question in his mind that Haven wasn’t for him. I think it’s so sexy when a guy knows what he wants and goes after it and that’s exactly what Carmine did. The only problem I had with Carmine is he can be really rude and disrespectful at times. I understand why he reacted the way he did, but I just feel like he could’ve handled some situations in a different way.
"Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can’t be denied. It’s beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there’s no going back from it. Once the thunderbolt hits, your life is irrevocably changed."
Haven and Carmine were both so broken and they were the only ones who could fix each other. Their journey was so cute and innocent it was just so amazing to see it unfold throughout the book. I loved how they completed each other. Carmine brought out the spunky spirited side of Haven, while Haven helped Carmine open up his heart again. I just loved them!!!
Everything about this book was brilliant!!! J.M. Darhower knows how to draw you into her story to live, breathe and feel it. This book is definitely a must read. It was amazing!!!
March 4, 2013
Welcome to La Cosa Nostra
La famiglia with a bond stronger than blood
Where secrets are well hidden...
and mistakes never forgotten...
So it happens that in this brutal environment Colpo di fulmine strikes
So powerful and intense it can't be denied. It's beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open spilling their soul out for the world to see. Once the thunderbolt hits them, Carmin and Haven's lives are irrevocably changed.
They found each other for a reason, he was drowning and she saved him. He really loved the person she made him. It had just as much to do with how he felt as it did with who she was.
Just two kids in love. Nothing needed to be said.
But the life of crime, a world of violence constantly pushed it's way in.
And Carmine was forced to give his life to save what he couldn't live without.
There's no magical rewind button in life, no take backs or do-overs to fix things you wish you could change. What's done is done, as hard as that was to accept.
All he could say was
"Ti amo, per sempre."
"Sempre?"
La famiglia with a bond stronger than blood
Where secrets are well hidden...
and mistakes never forgotten...
So it happens that in this brutal environment Colpo di fulmine strikes
So powerful and intense it can't be denied. It's beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open spilling their soul out for the world to see. Once the thunderbolt hits them, Carmin and Haven's lives are irrevocably changed.
They found each other for a reason, he was drowning and she saved him. He really loved the person she made him. It had just as much to do with how he felt as it did with who she was.
Just two kids in love. Nothing needed to be said.
But the life of crime, a world of violence constantly pushed it's way in.
And Carmine was forced to give his life to save what he couldn't live without.
There's no magical rewind button in life, no take backs or do-overs to fix things you wish you could change. What's done is done, as hard as that was to accept.
All he could say was
"Ti amo, per sempre."
"Sempre?"
August 2, 2013
WOW! That was a very entertaining book. The beginning of the book was a little awkward/weird but as the secrets started to be revealed the story was hard to put down. Even though this book was over 500 pages it held my attention the whole time.
SERIES:
Continuing story
'But then she happened. The girl who had never been able to call her life her own taught a boy who had a world at his fingertips exactly what it meant to live. He wasn't alone anymore.'
SERIES:
Continuing story
March 15, 2013
"Il tempo guarisce tutti i mali . Time heals all wounds."
This book is sooo much more than I ever expected and I thank all you ladies who pressurized me into reading this! ;)
This book is more than an average love story. It's a story about suffering...survival...happiness...Love...Pain
Haven is a girl who has lived a life that no one supposed to live... A child slave who is abused..a child's who has seen things no child should see..
She is rescued from the wretched place she lived; by Dr DeMarco.. A man who lives in two different worlds, a good man forced to do bad things because of circumstances.
Life is very different here for her.. Appreciating the simple things in life like food, water, a bed..
She cooks and cleans, finding her place in their house..
Carmine..
This bad boy with his foul mouth had me Hooked! Carmine is real. No hearts and flowers shit! A soon to be mafia bad boy who does what he wants, gets what he wants, talks how he wants.. His bad attitude has Haven running the opposite direction!
After some time... Carmine and Haven start hanging out and Haven sees past his bad attitude.
I love how Carmine changes himself for her.. He becomes a totally different person. Stops having random sex, drugs, fighting..
He opens himself up to love.. To love Haven.. A broken girl.. Who feels she is worth nothing.
Both of them suffering different kinds of pain. They fix each other... They heal each other..
"But you didn’t let her down, Carmine. You did what she needed you to do"
"Carmine brushed away her tears. “And what’s that?”
“You survived"
Their journey is beautiful and innocent. Their friendship turned to love. Their love changed them and everything.. I LOVE Carmine! He says the crudest things in thee cutest way! He curses like a sailor but has a heart of gold..
"And I love you,” he said, his voice a whisper, but Haven felt it powerfully, deep down in her soul. “ Ti amo, mia bella ragazza. Per sempre"
And for the first time ever, Haven is happy..... Happiness is Green :D
But happiness comes at a price and secrets and lies are revealed... Life is never easy...
With dangerous men...
Who want revenge and will do whatever it takes to get it...
Innocent people are killed and hurt...
This special prayer is for Corrado. For being a hero, for his strength and bravery. Oh please let him be okay... :(
"The girl who had never been able to call her life her own taught a boy who had the world at his fingertips exactly what it meant to live. He wasn’t alone anymore."
"He might've taken my life, but he didn't break my spirit. No one did, and no one ever will. Don't let them break you. Don’t let them win. You fight the fight. It’s the only way to be free.”
"They were two broken kids, desperate to be whole again, struggling to find balance in a world out of their control. What's black and white and red all over? Carmine was, Haven thought. A soul savagely ripped in half, bleeding out for all to see. The ying and yang, the good and evil, the love and pain all at odds with each other. Two sides, two vastly different worlds, but someday they’d merge as one. They had to."
Love gives you strength to do things you never thought you could do..
"One of the strangest things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live forever and ever and ever... sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in some one’ s eyes."
Carmine must live up to his Commitment.... but in the meantime... They had Each Other and Love and Haven had her Freedom
This book is sooo much more than I ever expected and I thank all you ladies who pressurized me into reading this! ;)
This book is more than an average love story. It's a story about suffering...survival...happiness...Love...Pain
Haven is a girl who has lived a life that no one supposed to live... A child slave who is abused..a child's who has seen things no child should see..
She is rescued from the wretched place she lived; by Dr DeMarco.. A man who lives in two different worlds, a good man forced to do bad things because of circumstances.
Life is very different here for her.. Appreciating the simple things in life like food, water, a bed..
She cooks and cleans, finding her place in their house..
Carmine..
This bad boy with his foul mouth had me Hooked! Carmine is real. No hearts and flowers shit! A soon to be mafia bad boy who does what he wants, gets what he wants, talks how he wants.. His bad attitude has Haven running the opposite direction!
After some time... Carmine and Haven start hanging out and Haven sees past his bad attitude.
I love how Carmine changes himself for her.. He becomes a totally different person. Stops having random sex, drugs, fighting..
He opens himself up to love.. To love Haven.. A broken girl.. Who feels she is worth nothing.
Both of them suffering different kinds of pain. They fix each other... They heal each other..
"But you didn’t let her down, Carmine. You did what she needed you to do"
"Carmine brushed away her tears. “And what’s that?”
“You survived"
Their journey is beautiful and innocent. Their friendship turned to love. Their love changed them and everything.. I LOVE Carmine! He says the crudest things in thee cutest way! He curses like a sailor but has a heart of gold..
"And I love you,” he said, his voice a whisper, but Haven felt it powerfully, deep down in her soul. “ Ti amo, mia bella ragazza. Per sempre"
And for the first time ever, Haven is happy..... Happiness is Green :D
But happiness comes at a price and secrets and lies are revealed... Life is never easy...
With dangerous men...
Who want revenge and will do whatever it takes to get it...
Innocent people are killed and hurt...
This special prayer is for Corrado. For being a hero, for his strength and bravery. Oh please let him be okay... :(
"The girl who had never been able to call her life her own taught a boy who had the world at his fingertips exactly what it meant to live. He wasn’t alone anymore."
"He might've taken my life, but he didn't break my spirit. No one did, and no one ever will. Don't let them break you. Don’t let them win. You fight the fight. It’s the only way to be free.”
"They were two broken kids, desperate to be whole again, struggling to find balance in a world out of their control. What's black and white and red all over? Carmine was, Haven thought. A soul savagely ripped in half, bleeding out for all to see. The ying and yang, the good and evil, the love and pain all at odds with each other. Two sides, two vastly different worlds, but someday they’d merge as one. They had to."
Love gives you strength to do things you never thought you could do..
"One of the strangest things about living in the world is that it is only now and then one is quite sure one is going to live forever and ever and ever... sometimes a sound of far-off music makes it true; and sometimes a look in some one’ s eyes."
Carmine must live up to his Commitment.... but in the meantime... They had Each Other and Love and Haven had her Freedom
November 1, 2014
This was the perfect novella to read on Halloween! Oh daddy Carmine and Corrado ($20 had me LOLing!). Plus the princess! I smiled all the way through!
This was a little gem of what Halloween is like for the DeMarco's. Fans of the series should for sure check it out! And the best line by Carmine himself...
Currently FREE on Amazon!
This was a little gem of what Halloween is like for the DeMarco's. Fans of the series should for sure check it out! And the best line by Carmine himself...
"Fucking three year olds." Carmine muttered, picking up the lollipock and tossing it in the trash less than five feet away.
"They're assholes, I swear."
Currently FREE on Amazon!
August 6, 2012
WOW!
Haven is no ordinary 16 year old girl, she is born into slavery. She has been broken and beaten for other people's mistakes. One day she is taken from the only life she has ever known by Vincent DeMarco. Vincent shows her a another side of life she has never known existed. Anxiety is high, as she adjusts and settles into the DeMarco's lives. She finds friendships in Vincent DeMarco's sons, who in the end give her comfort and solace.
The youngest brother Carmine DeMarco is young, carefree and cares of nothing, but himself. He also has witnessed his own tragedy and closes himself off and trusts no one. Until Haven.
I loved this book for the pain and the emotions it evoked. It's no sunshine and flowers here, it's raw, gritty and gripping. Which made the tender moments in the book stand out. The characters are great and the author has given them a voice and personality that stood out.
Brilliant! Loved it!
Haven is no ordinary 16 year old girl, she is born into slavery. She has been broken and beaten for other people's mistakes. One day she is taken from the only life she has ever known by Vincent DeMarco. Vincent shows her a another side of life she has never known existed. Anxiety is high, as she adjusts and settles into the DeMarco's lives. She finds friendships in Vincent DeMarco's sons, who in the end give her comfort and solace.
The youngest brother Carmine DeMarco is young, carefree and cares of nothing, but himself. He also has witnessed his own tragedy and closes himself off and trusts no one. Until Haven.
I loved this book for the pain and the emotions it evoked. It's no sunshine and flowers here, it's raw, gritty and gripping. Which made the tender moments in the book stand out. The characters are great and the author has given them a voice and personality that stood out.
Brilliant! Loved it!
April 7, 2017
Ugh my heart, my poor heart can't handle this lovely novella... My God, it was so beautiful. I loved it very much!!!
Ps. Yeah, I cried. Again. Dammit. :((((
Ps. If you wanna read this series, I suggest you to read with this order...
* Sempre
* Sempre:Redemption
* Friends - Novella
* Forever - Novella
* Made
Ps. Yeah, I cried. Again. Dammit. :((((
Ps. If you wanna read this series, I suggest you to read with this order...
* Sempre
* Sempre:Redemption
* Friends - Novella
* Forever - Novella
* Made
November 10, 2014
5 BAZZILION ★★★★★ because this book earned every goddamn one of them
Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can’t be denied. It’s beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there’s no going back from it. Once the thunderbolt hits, your life is irrevocably changed.
Yes, I fell in love with this book even before I started reading the prologue. Bulldozer. As I like to call it. When fiction hits you so hard with the reality in which we are living that you’ll need months of intense recovery after you just suffered heart shatter, experienced love then loss, after you laughed your ass off just in time to cry like a baby.
Yes, this book is fiction, but the emotions it made me feel were real, they still are. I stare at the ceiling, hoping for someone to come and paint my door blue, wishing that I could go back to the first page and start all over again, but I’m too shocked, or maybe emotionally drained and shocked.
How am I supposed to give 5 stars to another book after reading this one?! I know I will eventually, been there, done that… But still, this book should have its own category.
My feels…
Shocked, sad, happy, WTF?, happy/sad, OMG!!!, sad, happy, WHY??!!!, sad, happy, and even more sad, because besides of the 530 pages this book has, it was too short and I WANT MORE!!! This book is the Godfather of all great books. This book has ruined me for all other books.
But there’s good news: THIS BOOK WILL HAVE A SEQUEL!!! (now let me hear you scream and shout in absolute fangirling style...YAAAYYYYYY!!!)
YAYYYYYYYYYYY!!! YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!YAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!
What’s crying, laughing and shouts around the house: “This is amazing and I don’t want to put it down?” ? I’m pretty sure my husband searched the internet, at some point, for a rehab center that treats emotional unstable people. Ok, people, who wants to be my roommate?
Lets meet the reason I might be going to the loony bin:
Carmine DeMarco:
He's got everything and then some. He's cocky, with a 'I don't give a shit' attitude, spoiled, short-tempered and trouble seems to find him at every turned corner. Apparently Carmine turned "a lot of motherfucking corners".
And lets not forget he's a total smart ass:
LMAO!!! Yep, that's Carmine alright. But when the thunderbolt hits, even him isn't immune to it.
Nulla mi spaventa tranne perdere le persone che amo.
(Nothing scares me, except losing the people I love.)
Here's where Haven comes in to the picture, a picture that she's not used to and doesn't know what to expect of it, because for a person like her the worse enemy is HOPE.
Being enslaved since birth, Haven doesn't know what alive really means and freedom is just a strange fact. When she's bought by Dr. Vincent DeMarco and placed in his house with two teenage boys, her trust and loyalty is tested, her hope is rising and her heart begins to believe in something greater than ever thought possible.
But this story is not all rainbows, flowers, unicorns and kittens. This story grabs you and throws you in to a tsunami of feelings.
Nothing will be easy. Especially when La famiglia is involved. And Vincent definitely does not want to get the Family involved where Carmine and Haven are concerned. The plan is great, but it's flawed.
Flaw number one. The 'Capo de tutti Capi', Salvatore.
And flaw number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and so on... the Principe de La Famiglia, the one and only, Carmine...
and his attitude...
and the way trouble keeps on finding him...
But the real Family is always there to help:
From Carmine's big brother, Dominic.
to Carmine's uncle, Corrado, the silent type, or the 'shoot first, ask question later' kind of type.
Sempre will stay with you forever. It's gritty, raw, heart-wrenching, laugh your ass off, cry your eyes out kind of book. Don't miss out on a journey that you'll never forget.
Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can’t be denied. It’s beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there’s no going back from it. Once the thunderbolt hits, your life is irrevocably changed.
Yes, I fell in love with this book even before I started reading the prologue. Bulldozer. As I like to call it. When fiction hits you so hard with the reality in which we are living that you’ll need months of intense recovery after you just suffered heart shatter, experienced love then loss, after you laughed your ass off just in time to cry like a baby.
Yes, this book is fiction, but the emotions it made me feel were real, they still are. I stare at the ceiling, hoping for someone to come and paint my door blue, wishing that I could go back to the first page and start all over again, but I’m too shocked, or maybe emotionally drained and shocked.
How am I supposed to give 5 stars to another book after reading this one?! I know I will eventually, been there, done that… But still, this book should have its own category.
My feels…
Shocked, sad, happy, WTF?, happy/sad, OMG!!!, sad, happy, WHY??!!!, sad, happy, and even more sad, because besides of the 530 pages this book has, it was too short and I WANT MORE!!! This book is the Godfather of all great books. This book has ruined me for all other books.
But there’s good news: THIS BOOK WILL HAVE A SEQUEL!!! (now let me hear you scream and shout in absolute fangirling style...YAAAYYYYYY!!!)
YAYYYYYYYYYYY!!! YAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!YAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!
What’s crying, laughing and shouts around the house: “This is amazing and I don’t want to put it down?” ? I’m pretty sure my husband searched the internet, at some point, for a rehab center that treats emotional unstable people. Ok, people, who wants to be my roommate?
Lets meet the reason I might be going to the loony bin:
Carmine DeMarco:
He's got everything and then some. He's cocky, with a 'I don't give a shit' attitude, spoiled, short-tempered and trouble seems to find him at every turned corner. Apparently Carmine turned "a lot of motherfucking corners".
"He’s finicky and angry, but that's neither here nor there. He's set in his ways, and it doesn't matter what I do. Carmine is who he is."
"I'm not that bad,” Carmine said. “I'm rich, popular. I have a sense of humor. I'm good looking, and not to mention I have a really big—”
They all groaned loudly before he could finish. He just shrugged, thinking he'd summed himself up nicely.
And lets not forget he's a total smart ass:
She peeked over the edge. “I don’t want to fall.” “You won’t.” “You swear?” He chuckled. “All the fucking time.”
“Uh, I'm thankful for you all, even if you get on my nerves sometimes,” Carmine said. “Oh, and orgasms... definitely thankful for those.”
LMAO!!! Yep, that's Carmine alright. But when the thunderbolt hits, even him isn't immune to it.
Nulla mi spaventa tranne perdere le persone che amo.
(Nothing scares me, except losing the people I love.)
Here's where Haven comes in to the picture, a picture that she's not used to and doesn't know what to expect of it, because for a person like her the worse enemy is HOPE.
Being enslaved since birth, Haven doesn't know what alive really means and freedom is just a strange fact. When she's bought by Dr. Vincent DeMarco and placed in his house with two teenage boys, her trust and loyalty is tested, her hope is rising and her heart begins to believe in something greater than ever thought possible.
But this story is not all rainbows, flowers, unicorns and kittens. This story grabs you and throws you in to a tsunami of feelings.
"There’s no magical rewind button in life, no take backs or do-over’s to fix things you wish you could change."
"Life’s a struggle, and it would be so easy if it came with an eraser, but it didn’t."
Nothing will be easy. Especially when La famiglia is involved. And Vincent definitely does not want to get the Family involved where Carmine and Haven are concerned. The plan is great, but it's flawed.
Flaw number one. The 'Capo de tutti Capi', Salvatore.
And flaw number 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and so on... the Principe de La Famiglia, the one and only, Carmine...
and his attitude...
and the way trouble keeps on finding him...
But the real Family is always there to help:
From Carmine's big brother, Dominic.
to Carmine's uncle, Corrado, the silent type, or the 'shoot first, ask question later' kind of type.
Sempre will stay with you forever. It's gritty, raw, heart-wrenching, laugh your ass off, cry your eyes out kind of book. Don't miss out on a journey that you'll never forget.
"The girl who had never been able to call her life her own taught a boy who had the world at his fingertips exactly what it meant to live."
February 28, 2013
"I can't save the world, Haven, but I'll save you...even if it's the last thing I do."-Carmine
OMG, This book was A-FREAKIN-MAZING!!!
I read this with my smut-ateers and let me tell you we were blown away. This is the story of two teens of different classes, one a slave and one a mobsters son, coming together against all odds. Haven has lived since the moment she was born as a slave. She takes care of the home of her masters. She is not allowed to eat during the day time, she sleeps in the stables with the horses, and gets beaten anytime something isn't done right or if her masters just happen to be having a bad day. To make the story more interesting her father is her master, even though he doesn't claim her. Her mother finally convinces her to run but she doesn't make it far, next thing she knows, Dr. DeMarco has come to take her away and she is to work for him. This is where she meets his sons Dominic and Carmine. Instantly Carmine and Haven have a connection even though neither say anything about it to one another, until Carmine can't hold back any longer and his theory is confirmed.
Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can't be denied. It's beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there's no going back from it. Once the thunderbold hits, your life is irrevocably changed.
"Colpo di fulmine?" he suggested. She just stared at him, and he smiled. "I guess your gonna want a translation. It's when you're drawn to someone so forcefully that it's like being struck by lightning."
Of course realizing your in love is the easy part. Fighting to keep that love alive and staying together is the hard part. And Carmine and Haven had a harder time keeping themselves together than most normal relationships do. Not only did Carmine have a past with the ladies, he had also earned himself some enemies along the way. That was just normal teenager stuff trying to come between them. What others didn't know was all the other things fighting against them. For starters the classes try to come between them. Haven has only ever known that slave life, so adjusting to more of a normal life was stressful and threatened their relationship. Then the two find out there is a bigger connection between their families that they weren't aware of, not to mention who Haven really is and why she is really there. Also, add in plenty of shootings, kidnappings, death, their struggles to communicate, the mob, Dr. DeMarco himself, and even Carmine's temper.
Through it all, even when they pull away from each other, they never stop loving each other.
"Do you feel this? We belong togehter." He kissed her."Sempre."
This book was soo good. Inspiring. I loved reading about how Carmine and Haven changed each other. Almost brought each other alive. They had both been just breathing and walking through life. But once they found each other they actually lived and made each other stronger. My favorite part that I desperately want to acknowledge is their special Valentine's getaway. AWE, it was so sweet adn peaceful for them. I will warn the last 30% of this book is majorly intense. It's not a cliffhanger but leaves you wanting more and as scared as I am to read the next book, I can't wait all in the same breath.
'Nella vita:chi non risica, non rosica' (In life:nothing ventured, nothing gained)
OMG, This book was A-FREAKIN-MAZING!!!
Source: google.co.uk via sarah on Pinterest
I read this with my smut-ateers and let me tell you we were blown away. This is the story of two teens of different classes, one a slave and one a mobsters son, coming together against all odds. Haven has lived since the moment she was born as a slave. She takes care of the home of her masters. She is not allowed to eat during the day time, she sleeps in the stables with the horses, and gets beaten anytime something isn't done right or if her masters just happen to be having a bad day. To make the story more interesting her father is her master, even though he doesn't claim her. Her mother finally convinces her to run but she doesn't make it far, next thing she knows, Dr. DeMarco has come to take her away and she is to work for him. This is where she meets his sons Dominic and Carmine. Instantly Carmine and Haven have a connection even though neither say anything about it to one another, until Carmine can't hold back any longer and his theory is confirmed.
Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can't be denied. It's beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there's no going back from it. Once the thunderbold hits, your life is irrevocably changed.
Source: Uploaded by user via Jamie on Pinterest
"Colpo di fulmine?" he suggested. She just stared at him, and he smiled. "I guess your gonna want a translation. It's when you're drawn to someone so forcefully that it's like being struck by lightning."
Of course realizing your in love is the easy part. Fighting to keep that love alive and staying together is the hard part. And Carmine and Haven had a harder time keeping themselves together than most normal relationships do. Not only did Carmine have a past with the ladies, he had also earned himself some enemies along the way. That was just normal teenager stuff trying to come between them. What others didn't know was all the other things fighting against them. For starters the classes try to come between them. Haven has only ever known that slave life, so adjusting to more of a normal life was stressful and threatened their relationship. Then the two find out there is a bigger connection between their families that they weren't aware of, not to mention who Haven really is and why she is really there. Also, add in plenty of shootings, kidnappings, death, their struggles to communicate, the mob, Dr. DeMarco himself, and even Carmine's temper.
Source: flickr.com via Sylvia on Pinterest
Through it all, even when they pull away from each other, they never stop loving each other.
"Do you feel this? We belong togehter." He kissed her."Sempre."
Source: Uploaded by user via Maria on Pinterest
This book was soo good. Inspiring. I loved reading about how Carmine and Haven changed each other. Almost brought each other alive. They had both been just breathing and walking through life. But once they found each other they actually lived and made each other stronger. My favorite part that I desperately want to acknowledge is their special Valentine's getaway. AWE, it was so sweet adn peaceful for them. I will warn the last 30% of this book is majorly intense. It's not a cliffhanger but leaves you wanting more and as scared as I am to read the next book, I can't wait all in the same breath.
'Nella vita:chi non risica, non rosica' (In life:nothing ventured, nothing gained)
May 16, 2013
5 Beautiful, Amazing Stars!! This is a book about learning to live again and learning to survive through difficulties
Haven was born into a life as slavery she was fathered by her master, she has known only a life of neglect and slavery. One day her mama tells her to run and seek help and try and find a happy life for herself she gets so far but then falls over and ends up being brought by Dr Vincent DeMarco who is part for the Mafia, she is taken back to the DeMarco's home to live with him and his two sons Carmine and Dominic.
Dominic
Is a happy, easy going, loving teen who loves his brother and wants him to be happy!!! Giving advice, having a normal life finishing school and going to college.
Carmine
Is the bad boy who falls in love with the slave, who has a temper but is the most loving person when it comes to Haven. He just see's her teaching Haven how to live in the real word bit by bit bringing her out of her shell.
"haven, I could never love someone like you because
there isn't anyone like you." he said,
"You're one of a kind."
Haven
Is timid but as time goes by starts to become an independant woman growing to find herself being set free by Carmine.
Dr DeMarco
Is the Master of the house/Sir, Involved in the Mafia he has to tred carefully and at the beginning of the book would say I did not like him wanted to hurt him for Haven but as time went by I learn't to love him too and see the reasons behind the way he acted... just read and you'll understand!!
This is such a long beautiful story and I can't start to explain it all but It has had a profound affect on me and will stay with me for a long time this lifestyle does happen and it opened my eyes.... There is going to be another book so there are issues unresolved but no cliffhanger!!!
Go read this book its beautiul and at times difficult to read but this Author is Amazing she did a wonderful job with creating all the characters slowly it's slow built untill around 70% when bamm total Mafia go go go....
Favouite quotes
Colpo di fulme, The thunderbolt as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can't be denied. It's beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there's no going back from it. Once the thunderbolt hits, your life is irrevocably changed.
Look, it's not because I think you belong to me-it's because I want you to be mine."
I can't save the world, Haven, but I'll save you..... even if it's the last thing I do."
Do you have any idea how important you are to me?" he asked, pulling back from her lips. "I'm finding myself again bacause of you. I never thought it would happen. My mom used to talk about fate all the time, and I think you're it.... you're my fate. You were brought to me for a reason, for us to save each other. Because you weren't the only one needing saved, Haven. I was drowning, and you rescued me."
II tempo guarisce tutti i mali. Time heals all wounds.
Go Read!!!!
October 17, 2013
Sempre was absolutely riveting. I loved everything about this book, the story, the characters and specially the Italian mob action, it was awesome!
Haven is a girl who was born into slavery, until her faith was change by Dr. Vincent DeMarco. Not only will she get to experience life for the first time but a very intense love that will forever change her life. Carmine, who is used to having in it all, will melt completely by the shy and sweet girl (Haven) and these two broken kids will be united by fate and save each other from the misery that has been their past.
I have to tell you I got deep into this story, Carmine and his sweet Italian words had me swooning.
This is not just a romantic story; it is also about family, forgiveness and self-growth. A highly entertaining book!!
I downloaded a really great song that Carmine sang to Haven in one of the most romantic scenes on this book called 18th Floor Balcony by Blue October, it’s a beautiful song that describes the love between Haven and Carmine.
I heard there will be a second book coming out, and it makes sense since there were a lot of unanswered questions at the end, and I can’t wait to read it, I'll be desperately waiting.
Haven is a girl who was born into slavery, until her faith was change by Dr. Vincent DeMarco. Not only will she get to experience life for the first time but a very intense love that will forever change her life. Carmine, who is used to having in it all, will melt completely by the shy and sweet girl (Haven) and these two broken kids will be united by fate and save each other from the misery that has been their past.
I have to tell you I got deep into this story, Carmine and his sweet Italian words had me swooning.
This is not just a romantic story; it is also about family, forgiveness and self-growth. A highly entertaining book!!
I downloaded a really great song that Carmine sang to Haven in one of the most romantic scenes on this book called 18th Floor Balcony by Blue October, it’s a beautiful song that describes the love between Haven and Carmine.
I heard there will be a second book coming out, and it makes sense since there were a lot of unanswered questions at the end, and I can’t wait to read it, I'll be desperately waiting.
July 20, 2016
I think my main problem with the book (beside the fact it was way too long) was that I had extremely high expectations. Sometimes this can be a total killer for me with books and movies....especially movies. I didn't love the main character Carmine. I thought he was way too disrespectful and it didn't set well with me. I also struggled with the reasoning of keeping Haven a secret. It totally didn't make sense to me on any level. I just didn't get it.
July 27, 2014
"Colpo di fulmine. The thunderbolt, as Italians call it. When love strikes someone like lightning, so powerful and intense it can’t be denied. It’s beautiful and messy, cracking a chest open and spilling their soul out for the world to see. It turns a person inside out, and there’s no going back from it. Once the thunderbolt hits, your life is irrevocably changed."
OMG WHAT AN INCREDIBLE BOOK!!!
I delayed reading this book for so long because I’m not really a fan of anything mafia-related, but I was convinced by some GR friends to pick it up, and I’m so glad that I did. I absolutely loved it!! And while the mob stuff is a very important part of the story, the main focus is an incredibly beautiful, ‘against the odds’ love story between two teenagers from very different lives.
Haven has been a slave from birth. Horribly abused, she suddenly finds herself the ‘property’ of the mysterious Dr Vincent DeMarco, and is taken to his house to live. There she meets his two sons – Dominic and Carmine. Dominic is a gorgeous character – funny, sweet and smart, but it is with Carmine that the sparks fly.
Haven is a wonderful heroine. Having been kept isolated in her life as a slave, she is completely innocent and incredibly naïve about the world around her. But as she is immersed in the DeMarco’s world and spends time with Carmine, she shows how incredibly strong she is, bravely facing up to all that she doesn’t know and eager to learn and move on with her life even though she has never really had a place in the world
Carmine is a the poster-boy wild child – alcohol, drugs, sex and violence, nursing a major chip on his shoulder and some serious attitude.
“He never went looking for it, but trouble seemed to find him every time he turned a corner. And Carmine turned a lot of motherfucking corners.”
When Haven comes into his life, she completely turns his world upside down, opening up a side of him that he didn’t even know was there.
“She was innocent and pure, unlike anyone he’d met before … It was difficult for him to admit he was just as inexperienced as her. He could fuck a girl senseless, but when it came to loving one, he had no clue what to do. Love? The word horrified him.”
But, as with all of the great romantic heroes that we love - he falls fast, and he falls hard.
“All he knew was she’d stolen his heart, and there was no way he could ask for it back. In such a short amount of time she’d taken him over, as much a part of him now as the air he breathed. Fucking thunderbolt.”
SQUEEEEEE!!! I love Carmine, he is absolutely gorgeous. Yes, he’s absolutely the bad boy, but he is so tender and gentle with Haven, and incredibly protective of her. He has a quick temper, and is quick to defend her physically, but the little moments where he slides his arms around her to make her feel safe just made me melt. Plus he uses a lot of beautiful Italian endearments which were absolutely gorgeous – every time he called her mia bella ragazza (my beautiful girl), I turned into a huge puddle of goo on the floor.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the very beginning. Despite Carmine being such a man-whore he has never had a real relationship, and with Haven being so innocent and naïve, they both fall blindly in love with no game playing and complete honesty between them. The relationship is realistic, moving at a great pace, with lots of funny and swoony moments, and a very intense and deeply emotional connection.
The two of them form a very special bond as they delve into their pasts to try to find a future together amidst some almost insurmountable obstacles. And even though, at times, their journey had me weeping into my kindle, they were both so incredibly committed to each other and to having a future together, that although it seemed effortless for them at times, you know that they fought hard for it and I wanted to cheer for them every time they reached another milestone of their relationship. It was a rollercoaster, but it was absolutely beautiful!
As I said before, the Mafia aspect of the storyline is a strong one, with Carmine’s father, Vincent, very involved in ‘la famiglia’. Vincent is a very complex and mysterious character and I wasn’t sure of him in the beginning of the book, but as his story came out, he became one of my favourites. His background is utterly tragic, and as the motivations behind his actions come to light, I found myself completely enamoured with him. And even though it was dysfunctional, I loved his relationship with Carmine - their banter having me laughing out loud or on the verge of tears a number of times.
There is a fabulous cast of characters, each of them adding so much to the story – some you will love and some you will hate, but you will feel it all very passionately. And as the lines between good and evil are blurred, you will ask yourself what is right and what is wrong – and if it is wrong, is it justifiable? Haven summed it up beautifully – “I think sometimes good men just find themselves doing bad things.”
Being an intensely character-driven story, there is not a lot of action until the big climax. And without giving away any spoilers, I just need to say that the ending was one of the most intense I have ever read. The action started at around 1.30am for me and it hit me like a punch to the stomach, I couldn’t even consider putting the book down until I was done. The action, the emotion, the twists… ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!!! I was screaming “FUUUUUCK”, then “NOOOOOOO”, only to be sobbing and then screaming “FUCK YEAH” and sobbing again a moment later. My heart was racing the entire time.
This is an incredibly written, beautiful story about love and sacrifice. I laughed, cried, swooned and squeed my way through the entire book and I know it will stay with me for a very long time.
5 glorious, emotional stars.
OMG WHAT AN INCREDIBLE BOOK!!!
I delayed reading this book for so long because I’m not really a fan of anything mafia-related, but I was convinced by some GR friends to pick it up, and I’m so glad that I did. I absolutely loved it!! And while the mob stuff is a very important part of the story, the main focus is an incredibly beautiful, ‘against the odds’ love story between two teenagers from very different lives.
Haven has been a slave from birth. Horribly abused, she suddenly finds herself the ‘property’ of the mysterious Dr Vincent DeMarco, and is taken to his house to live. There she meets his two sons – Dominic and Carmine. Dominic is a gorgeous character – funny, sweet and smart, but it is with Carmine that the sparks fly.
Haven is a wonderful heroine. Having been kept isolated in her life as a slave, she is completely innocent and incredibly naïve about the world around her. But as she is immersed in the DeMarco’s world and spends time with Carmine, she shows how incredibly strong she is, bravely facing up to all that she doesn’t know and eager to learn and move on with her life even though she has never really had a place in the world
Carmine is a the poster-boy wild child – alcohol, drugs, sex and violence, nursing a major chip on his shoulder and some serious attitude.
“He never went looking for it, but trouble seemed to find him every time he turned a corner. And Carmine turned a lot of motherfucking corners.”
When Haven comes into his life, she completely turns his world upside down, opening up a side of him that he didn’t even know was there.
“She was innocent and pure, unlike anyone he’d met before … It was difficult for him to admit he was just as inexperienced as her. He could fuck a girl senseless, but when it came to loving one, he had no clue what to do. Love? The word horrified him.”
But, as with all of the great romantic heroes that we love - he falls fast, and he falls hard.
“All he knew was she’d stolen his heart, and there was no way he could ask for it back. In such a short amount of time she’d taken him over, as much a part of him now as the air he breathed. Fucking thunderbolt.”
SQUEEEEEE!!! I love Carmine, he is absolutely gorgeous. Yes, he’s absolutely the bad boy, but he is so tender and gentle with Haven, and incredibly protective of her. He has a quick temper, and is quick to defend her physically, but the little moments where he slides his arms around her to make her feel safe just made me melt. Plus he uses a lot of beautiful Italian endearments which were absolutely gorgeous – every time he called her mia bella ragazza (my beautiful girl), I turned into a huge puddle of goo on the floor.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts from the very beginning. Despite Carmine being such a man-whore he has never had a real relationship, and with Haven being so innocent and naïve, they both fall blindly in love with no game playing and complete honesty between them. The relationship is realistic, moving at a great pace, with lots of funny and swoony moments, and a very intense and deeply emotional connection.
The two of them form a very special bond as they delve into their pasts to try to find a future together amidst some almost insurmountable obstacles. And even though, at times, their journey had me weeping into my kindle, they were both so incredibly committed to each other and to having a future together, that although it seemed effortless for them at times, you know that they fought hard for it and I wanted to cheer for them every time they reached another milestone of their relationship. It was a rollercoaster, but it was absolutely beautiful!
As I said before, the Mafia aspect of the storyline is a strong one, with Carmine’s father, Vincent, very involved in ‘la famiglia’. Vincent is a very complex and mysterious character and I wasn’t sure of him in the beginning of the book, but as his story came out, he became one of my favourites. His background is utterly tragic, and as the motivations behind his actions come to light, I found myself completely enamoured with him. And even though it was dysfunctional, I loved his relationship with Carmine - their banter having me laughing out loud or on the verge of tears a number of times.
There is a fabulous cast of characters, each of them adding so much to the story – some you will love and some you will hate, but you will feel it all very passionately. And as the lines between good and evil are blurred, you will ask yourself what is right and what is wrong – and if it is wrong, is it justifiable? Haven summed it up beautifully – “I think sometimes good men just find themselves doing bad things.”
Being an intensely character-driven story, there is not a lot of action until the big climax. And without giving away any spoilers, I just need to say that the ending was one of the most intense I have ever read. The action started at around 1.30am for me and it hit me like a punch to the stomach, I couldn’t even consider putting the book down until I was done. The action, the emotion, the twists… ABSOLUTELY SUPERB!!! I was screaming “FUUUUUCK”, then “NOOOOOOO”, only to be sobbing and then screaming “FUCK YEAH” and sobbing again a moment later. My heart was racing the entire time.
This is an incredibly written, beautiful story about love and sacrifice. I laughed, cried, swooned and squeed my way through the entire book and I know it will stay with me for a very long time.
5 glorious, emotional stars.
July 6, 2012
"You're awfully dirty, little one."
Watch for that line because when you see it, you will have figured out one of the secrets of the story. But don't worry, there will be plenty more left.
If I had to listen to one more goomba say "we should have done something to help you" I was going to scream.
I can't remember the last time I saw a story with as much growth in the main characters from start to finish. It is really an amazing ride. I would seriously consider giving it an extra star if I could.
I don't want to say too much, just read it, but I do have a couple of characters I want to single out...
Katrina was the either the most evil character I have seen this side of Cruella de Vil or the stupidest since I don't know who. I spent an inordinate amount of time wishing ill upon her and thoroughly enjoying the character who was advocating it. And that was before we found out the real secret. If he had learned that secret sooner, I can only imagine what would have happened.
One thing I was definitely sure of at the end - that Salvatore Capozzi either knew secrets that we thought he didn't or he knew secrets that we didn't know. I am definitely looking forward to the unannounced sequel to find out just what they are.
Watch for that line because when you see it, you will have figured out one of the secrets of the story. But don't worry, there will be plenty more left.
If I had to listen to one more goomba say "we should have done something to help you" I was going to scream.
I can't remember the last time I saw a story with as much growth in the main characters from start to finish. It is really an amazing ride. I would seriously consider giving it an extra star if I could.
I don't want to say too much, just read it, but I do have a couple of characters I want to single out...
Katrina was the either the most evil character I have seen this side of Cruella de Vil or the stupidest since I don't know who. I spent an inordinate amount of time wishing ill upon her and thoroughly enjoying the character who was advocating it. And that was before we found out the real secret. If he had learned that secret sooner, I can only imagine what would have happened.
One thing I was definitely sure of at the end - that Salvatore Capozzi either knew secrets that we thought he didn't or he knew secrets that we didn't know. I am definitely looking forward to the unannounced sequel to find out just what they are.
November 20, 2012
5+ 
ABSOLUTE MUST READ
I am not sure why I haven't read this book before now. This has a firm place in my top 10!!
Thank you to my GR bookpimps pushers - Chiqui and Nicole - for HIGHLY recommending I read it right away!
The story of Carmine and Haven was just what I needed. It was a beautifully told - aching journey all the way through.
OH EM GEE when he would speak Italian to her!! SWOON!!
“Sogni dóro, mia bella ragazza,” he mumbled, closing his eyes. "Sweet dreams my beautiful girl.”
ABSOLUTE MUST READI am not sure why I haven't read this book before now. This has a firm place in my top 10!!
Thank you to my GR book
The story of Carmine and Haven was just what I needed. It was a beautifully told - aching journey all the way through.
OH EM GEE when he would speak Italian to her!! SWOON!!
“Sogni dóro, mia bella ragazza,” he mumbled, closing his eyes. "Sweet dreams my beautiful girl.”
August 10, 2020
Duygusal mıyım mutlu muyum neyim anlamadım. Ama Carmine ve Haven’ın aile saadeti beni pamuk gibi yaptı. Maura ise muhtemelen yazılmış en tatlı çocuklardan biri olmuş. Seksinize sağlık DeMarco ailesi. 10/10 çocuk yapmışsınız. Aferin 👏🏼
October 27, 2014
always love love love Carmine and Haven!
May 8, 2012
Five stars??!! No, that doesn't begin to cover the rating this book deserves, not even close!!! Sempre is one of those books that isn't just a great read. It isn't just an amazing story. No, reading Sempre is a touching, thrilling, soulful, captivating experience that I'm certain will prove to be unforgettable!! I want to write a review that gives this story justice, but that's a huge task and I'm still on kind of a high from reading it, but here goes!!...
It's hard to summarize this book in a small blurb, because there is SO much that happens between the first and last pages. I feel like I've read a trilogy but it was just one book!! The best way I can think to sum it up in a few words is 'Beautiful Disaster meets the Sopranos'!! Sempre is the story of Haven and Carmine, two teens from vastly different worlds that never expected to find love in the most unlikely of places. Haven, the daughter of a slave and therefore one herself by birth, is a child of rape who grew up being beaten, hated, and tormented by her 'masters'. All she ever knew of the world was anger, pain, and a feeling of never being a real person or a part of anything. Her mother was all she had, but when her life is in danger and a stranger suddenly comes to buy her and take her away, her whole life is turned upside down. Carmine, spoiled and living the privileged life of his Mafia family, rarely thinks of anyone but himself. Women are nothing but quick lays for him, and he'd rather pick a fight and ditch school than actually go to any of his classes. But when his father, Dr. Vincent DeMarco, brings home an emaciated, bruised girl to work in their home, Carmine finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Haven fascinates and baffles him, and she can't help being curious about this boy who speaks to her like she's more than a slave. The closer they become, the more they realize how very much they need each other, but their world is not all that it seems. With a family in the Mafia, secrets that will shatter everything they thought to be true, and enemies that are a constant threat to their future, Carmine and Haven will have to fight to stay together, even if it means going against the ones they love.
(First off, before I get into what I loved about this story, I want to say bravo to Darhower for shedding light on the sickening act of human trafficking. If it wasn't something that disgusted you before, this book will at the very least open your eyes to it. Yes, this is a fictional story, but it's centered around a very real issue that still plagues the world, and I'm glad to see it presented in such a negative way like it is in Sempre)
This book starts out in Haven's POV, so we get to see some of the torture she had to endure during her miserable life with the Antonelli's before she is taken to her new life with the DeMarcos. She's terrified and alone, and she can't shake old habits as she flinches and cowers away from these new people. Vincent has her doing the work of a housekeeper, but she knows she's still not free. I was so relieved when Carmine and his brother Dominic begin to treat her like a real person, because it was so painful to read about her abuse and see how terrified she constantly was. She is such a strong, beautiful, loving girl, and I just adore her!! To go through all that she did and be able to stand up and face what she does in this book was so incredible, and when she starts to open up and we see her true spark...it's dazzling!!!
Carmine, Carmine, Carmine...this boy is a real piece of work when we meet him!! He's such a jerk to all of the girls he sleeps with, he really was an immature asshole. He simply has never had someone that made him want to care, want to see past his small little world. It took Haven's delicate nature and innocence to make him really stop and think about what he'd allowed himself to turn into. He carries the guilt of his mother's death with him and had let himself spiral out of control as a result. Haven gives him something to hope for in the world, just as his love gives her hope for a future of freedom. There was such an amazing chemistry between them from the moment they first meet, but that grows to be something so much bigger. The way they affect each other, bringing out the best of themselves and being vulnerable when it scares them most, was amazing to see. Carmine becomes the man he knows his mother always would have wanted, and Haven becomes the woman that her mother always hoped she'd have the chance to be. It just melted my heart!!!
Carmine and Haven are definitely my new top "fate had better find them happily ever after" couple. They have both suffered so much, and when finding each other finally gives them something beautiful to live for, the idea of that being taken away is heartbreaking! It just can't happen!!! And Darhower gets major kudos from me for how far she takes things with this romance, because so often with these books involving teenagers things are tamed down. Carmine is so damned sexy, and he verges on being a sexaholic in the beginning. But what really surprised me and made me just fall head over heels for this guy was the moment he and Haven have their first time together. Given his track record, I was expecting this steamy, button-popping, frenzied scene where he has a Christian Grey moment to open her eyes to the wonders of kinky f*&kery. Boy was I wrong, and OH MY GOD am I glad I was!!! Darhower created this absolutely unforgettable scene, where this impulsive boy takes the time to be tender and loving as he and Haven share something magical...and WOW, was it ever magic!!! Honestly, it may be the best love scene I've ever read for that reason alone, it was just amazing!!!
I was captivated by everything about this book, I have to say Darhower absolutely stunned and impressed me with how perfectly this story was written. Everything, from the smoothly changing POV (which I LOVED b/c it was really necessary with this story) to the incredibly unique and exciting twists and turns that keep you constantly on the edge of your seat, was spot-on. Dominic was great as the older, wiser brother that was always trying to be kind and patient as they all adjusted. I loved the banter that went on between the brothers and the other members of the family, their crass sense of humor was such a change from all of the more serious and stressful moments. The aspects of how their lives are affected by being a Mafia family are equally disturbing and exciting; it was like watching a train wreck as it was happening. The ripple effects of every event for them gave Vincent so little peace, you can't help but feel for him despite the horrible things he has to do. They do anything to protect their family, and the bluntness of their actions made this story seem much more real.
Sempre is written with so much detail, so much honesty, that you truly feel like you know each character inside and out when it comes to a close. The reader goes through so much with these amazing characters, seeing them through the pain, the joy, the anguish, the lust, the anger, and all of those less monumental moments in between that Darhower expertly knew to include. It's not just a story, it's a journey you take with them, and you can't help but feel completely immersed in their world by the time that last page comes up. Each and every one of these characters has a huge place in my heart, and I'm going to miss them dearly!! I can not say enough about this book, I can't recommend it strongly enough, I can't explain how much I absolutely adored it...but I hope this at least gets others to read it, because I guarantee you'll be so very glad that you did!!
It's hard to summarize this book in a small blurb, because there is SO much that happens between the first and last pages. I feel like I've read a trilogy but it was just one book!! The best way I can think to sum it up in a few words is 'Beautiful Disaster meets the Sopranos'!! Sempre is the story of Haven and Carmine, two teens from vastly different worlds that never expected to find love in the most unlikely of places. Haven, the daughter of a slave and therefore one herself by birth, is a child of rape who grew up being beaten, hated, and tormented by her 'masters'. All she ever knew of the world was anger, pain, and a feeling of never being a real person or a part of anything. Her mother was all she had, but when her life is in danger and a stranger suddenly comes to buy her and take her away, her whole life is turned upside down. Carmine, spoiled and living the privileged life of his Mafia family, rarely thinks of anyone but himself. Women are nothing but quick lays for him, and he'd rather pick a fight and ditch school than actually go to any of his classes. But when his father, Dr. Vincent DeMarco, brings home an emaciated, bruised girl to work in their home, Carmine finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Haven fascinates and baffles him, and she can't help being curious about this boy who speaks to her like she's more than a slave. The closer they become, the more they realize how very much they need each other, but their world is not all that it seems. With a family in the Mafia, secrets that will shatter everything they thought to be true, and enemies that are a constant threat to their future, Carmine and Haven will have to fight to stay together, even if it means going against the ones they love.
(First off, before I get into what I loved about this story, I want to say bravo to Darhower for shedding light on the sickening act of human trafficking. If it wasn't something that disgusted you before, this book will at the very least open your eyes to it. Yes, this is a fictional story, but it's centered around a very real issue that still plagues the world, and I'm glad to see it presented in such a negative way like it is in Sempre)
This book starts out in Haven's POV, so we get to see some of the torture she had to endure during her miserable life with the Antonelli's before she is taken to her new life with the DeMarcos. She's terrified and alone, and she can't shake old habits as she flinches and cowers away from these new people. Vincent has her doing the work of a housekeeper, but she knows she's still not free. I was so relieved when Carmine and his brother Dominic begin to treat her like a real person, because it was so painful to read about her abuse and see how terrified she constantly was. She is such a strong, beautiful, loving girl, and I just adore her!! To go through all that she did and be able to stand up and face what she does in this book was so incredible, and when she starts to open up and we see her true spark...it's dazzling!!!
Carmine, Carmine, Carmine...this boy is a real piece of work when we meet him!! He's such a jerk to all of the girls he sleeps with, he really was an immature asshole. He simply has never had someone that made him want to care, want to see past his small little world. It took Haven's delicate nature and innocence to make him really stop and think about what he'd allowed himself to turn into. He carries the guilt of his mother's death with him and had let himself spiral out of control as a result. Haven gives him something to hope for in the world, just as his love gives her hope for a future of freedom. There was such an amazing chemistry between them from the moment they first meet, but that grows to be something so much bigger. The way they affect each other, bringing out the best of themselves and being vulnerable when it scares them most, was amazing to see. Carmine becomes the man he knows his mother always would have wanted, and Haven becomes the woman that her mother always hoped she'd have the chance to be. It just melted my heart!!!
Carmine and Haven are definitely my new top "fate had better find them happily ever after" couple. They have both suffered so much, and when finding each other finally gives them something beautiful to live for, the idea of that being taken away is heartbreaking! It just can't happen!!! And Darhower gets major kudos from me for how far she takes things with this romance, because so often with these books involving teenagers things are tamed down. Carmine is so damned sexy, and he verges on being a sexaholic in the beginning. But what really surprised me and made me just fall head over heels for this guy was the moment he and Haven have their first time together. Given his track record, I was expecting this steamy, button-popping, frenzied scene where he has a Christian Grey moment to open her eyes to the wonders of kinky f*&kery. Boy was I wrong, and OH MY GOD am I glad I was!!! Darhower created this absolutely unforgettable scene, where this impulsive boy takes the time to be tender and loving as he and Haven share something magical...and WOW, was it ever magic!!! Honestly, it may be the best love scene I've ever read for that reason alone, it was just amazing!!!
I was captivated by everything about this book, I have to say Darhower absolutely stunned and impressed me with how perfectly this story was written. Everything, from the smoothly changing POV (which I LOVED b/c it was really necessary with this story) to the incredibly unique and exciting twists and turns that keep you constantly on the edge of your seat, was spot-on. Dominic was great as the older, wiser brother that was always trying to be kind and patient as they all adjusted. I loved the banter that went on between the brothers and the other members of the family, their crass sense of humor was such a change from all of the more serious and stressful moments. The aspects of how their lives are affected by being a Mafia family are equally disturbing and exciting; it was like watching a train wreck as it was happening. The ripple effects of every event for them gave Vincent so little peace, you can't help but feel for him despite the horrible things he has to do. They do anything to protect their family, and the bluntness of their actions made this story seem much more real.
Sempre is written with so much detail, so much honesty, that you truly feel like you know each character inside and out when it comes to a close. The reader goes through so much with these amazing characters, seeing them through the pain, the joy, the anguish, the lust, the anger, and all of those less monumental moments in between that Darhower expertly knew to include. It's not just a story, it's a journey you take with them, and you can't help but feel completely immersed in their world by the time that last page comes up. Each and every one of these characters has a huge place in my heart, and I'm going to miss them dearly!! I can not say enough about this book, I can't recommend it strongly enough, I can't explain how much I absolutely adored it...but I hope this at least gets others to read it, because I guarantee you'll be so very glad that you did!!
November 17, 2012
4.5 stars..just because I would have really liked the book to end with an Epilogue instead of how it ended.
The Prologue of this book had me HOOKED immediately, and as I delved further into the story it became apparent how messed up this situation really was.
What can I say, this family was probably one of the most dysfunctional families I ever read about, or could have even imagined!
It took awhile for me to wrap-around in my head how the children in this story spoke to their father, and how they literally raised themselves because of his work.
Vincent & Carmine are very broken characters who are going through the motions of surviving.
I absolutely adored Haven! Her strength, intelligence, and observations made me admire her character so much.
.. and Celia and Corrino were amazing!
This was such a nice surprise to read, and I look forward to reading more of this Author`s work.
The Prologue of this book had me HOOKED immediately, and as I delved further into the story it became apparent how messed up this situation really was.
What can I say, this family was probably one of the most dysfunctional families I ever read about, or could have even imagined!
It took awhile for me to wrap-around in my head how the children in this story spoke to their father, and how they literally raised themselves because of his work.
Vincent & Carmine are very broken characters who are going through the motions of surviving.
I absolutely adored Haven! Her strength, intelligence, and observations made me admire her character so much.
.. and Celia and Corrino were amazing!
This was such a nice surprise to read, and I look forward to reading more of this Author`s work.
March 1, 2015
Oh how I love Carmine & Haven, They are so cute and perfect together. I wish we could have an other book about them♥♥
It was also interesting to read about what really happened between Nicholas and Carmine!
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
I cannot wait to read this!!!! I don't know what this is about but I sooooo HAPPY!!!
It was also interesting to read about what really happened between Nicholas and Carmine!
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG
I cannot wait to read this!!!! I don't know what this is about but I sooooo HAPPY!!!
March 26, 2013
I love this book, I'm so sad I finished it... I want more of Carmine and Haven! I want my sequel anf I want it now!!!
February 27, 2013
OMG!!! Well.. That book was something else.. Believe me!! And what can I say... CARMINE!! I could read about Carmine DeMarco everyday and would never tire of that character... The relationship between Carmine and Haven was so beautiful... I LOVE this book so very much.. Hoping to have a sequel.. Carmine can not just exisit in one book only.. NO WAY!!!
May 5, 2022
NO WORDS will describe how much I LOVED this book!! WOW! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!! Sorry, lots of shouty caps there! Absolute BOOK HEAVEN! <3
July 22, 2012
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...
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.
My visuals of the characters (Most of them)
Justin Sampson as Carmine DeMarco
I figured he'd just need light green contacts, then viola!
Caitlin Stasey as Haven Antonelli
Sam Coy as Dominic DeMarco
Gabriel Garko as Dr. Vicent DeMarco
Amy Yasbeck as Maura DeMarco
Andie MacDowell as Haven's Mom- Carla
Anil Kapoor as Corrado
Sigourney Weaver as Celia
Robert De Niro as Salvatorre
Alyson Michalka as Tess Harper & Aj Michalka as Dia Harper
Logan Henderson as Nicholas
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.
My visuals of the characters (Most of them)
Justin Sampson as Carmine DeMarco
I figured he'd just need light green contacts, then viola!
Caitlin Stasey as Haven Antonelli
Sam Coy as Dominic DeMarco
Gabriel Garko as Dr. Vicent DeMarco
Amy Yasbeck as Maura DeMarco
Andie MacDowell as Haven's Mom- Carla
Anil Kapoor as Corrado
Sigourney Weaver as Celia
Robert De Niro as Salvatorre
Alyson Michalka as Tess Harper & Aj Michalka as Dia Harper
Logan Henderson as Nicholas
March 2, 2013
I finished this book a few days ago and I needed that time to work through my thoughts. First off hands down this was an amazing book. I read this with the boo bears and we just all about died during this intense ride. The last 30 percent of this book I read it through blurry tear filled eyes. It was a bittersweet ending. It was a beautiful story and I loved being a part of the love that developed between Haven and Carmine. They both had intense awful issues to work through and I totally believe they were fated to be together and save each other. There were a lot of wonderful characters in this story, and a few who were not so much. When you read this story you will have a million and one different scenarios of what you think is going on or will happen in the book. But trust me... You will be shocked at the end. Like "pick your jaw up off the floor", shocked. I hear there will be a book two. Im very excited to hear that, but honestly I hope I have a few months to recover from book one first. My first reaction after I finished the book and was told there will be a book two was, oh hell no. I will not/ can not read that. But who am I kidding? I know I will be right there with everyone else devouring it and staying up way too late reading. Warning: this book will make you sleep deprived. It is just that good that you will not want to stop till its over. On that note I'm going back to bed to catch up on a weeks worth of shut eye.
May 18, 2012
OMG what a book.. The author really knows how to capture and captivate an audience how to keep you on your toes and at the edge of your seat, J.M.Darhower also knows how to give you one hell of a emotional rollercoaster ride, i mean dammm you feel suspenceful, sad, angry, happy, every emotion you can think of i think i felt it with this book.
This book also opens your eyes to a very raw and real reality that happens every day in this word and that is discusting and unhumane im talking about human trafficking and modern day slavery, this could be going on in our own backyards for all that we know. This book makes it real and it opens your eyes to how a person that is treated this way would feel in every aspect of life.
This book was heartbreaking, beautiful, torturous, sad, honest and brutal and so many other words of i cant think of at this moment. I loved it that it was not your typical boy meets girl they fall in love the end no . They had to overcome and go through so many things that normal teenagers never go through and many never even come close to going through what they go through. I must admit that this is the first book that ive read that had mafia involved and i loved it.
Haven was born into the slave trade as her mother is a slave and in the household she lives in she is beaten, battered and starved not being able to eat until night time. Then one day in comes Dr Vincent DeMarco after she gets sold to him, who has a very hidden agenda. At first i thought he was evil especially after an incident with Haven but as you read on you get to understand him and his story and you feel his pain and his loss and why he is the way he is and why he is doing all this. Vincent has two young sons Domonic and and Carmine. They are very diffrent from each other but get along like a house on fire. Carmine has a tortured soul he still grieves for his mother who he saw murdered and he is very angry, basically he is they typical bad boy. And in comes Haven when they meet its not love at first sight at all, she gets to a point where she purposly stays in her room to avoid him but things change and as the story goes on they become inseprable.. I dont want to give to much away. It is a beautiful love story with Mafia and slavery and blood and heartbreak and death and love and acceptance and forgiveness. Carmine promises Haven Sempre (always and forever) and he tends to give it to her no matter what. Its beautiful to see a tough guy who doesnt care about anyone who is so damm angry all the time fall in love and do anything to protect the one thing he loves most in this world to love her so much he is willing to kill or be killed to protect her...From start to finish i loved it and throughout it aswell i loved the italian language being thrown into conversations.. But i must admit my favourite bit was when they made love the first time. It was so romantic so passionate and so tender i felt like crying LOL I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE..ITS A MUST READ!!!
This book also opens your eyes to a very raw and real reality that happens every day in this word and that is discusting and unhumane im talking about human trafficking and modern day slavery, this could be going on in our own backyards for all that we know. This book makes it real and it opens your eyes to how a person that is treated this way would feel in every aspect of life.
This book was heartbreaking, beautiful, torturous, sad, honest and brutal and so many other words of i cant think of at this moment. I loved it that it was not your typical boy meets girl they fall in love the end no . They had to overcome and go through so many things that normal teenagers never go through and many never even come close to going through what they go through. I must admit that this is the first book that ive read that had mafia involved and i loved it.
Haven was born into the slave trade as her mother is a slave and in the household she lives in she is beaten, battered and starved not being able to eat until night time. Then one day in comes Dr Vincent DeMarco after she gets sold to him, who has a very hidden agenda. At first i thought he was evil especially after an incident with Haven but as you read on you get to understand him and his story and you feel his pain and his loss and why he is the way he is and why he is doing all this. Vincent has two young sons Domonic and and Carmine. They are very diffrent from each other but get along like a house on fire. Carmine has a tortured soul he still grieves for his mother who he saw murdered and he is very angry, basically he is they typical bad boy. And in comes Haven when they meet its not love at first sight at all, she gets to a point where she purposly stays in her room to avoid him but things change and as the story goes on they become inseprable.. I dont want to give to much away. It is a beautiful love story with Mafia and slavery and blood and heartbreak and death and love and acceptance and forgiveness. Carmine promises Haven Sempre (always and forever) and he tends to give it to her no matter what. Its beautiful to see a tough guy who doesnt care about anyone who is so damm angry all the time fall in love and do anything to protect the one thing he loves most in this world to love her so much he is willing to kill or be killed to protect her...From start to finish i loved it and throughout it aswell i loved the italian language being thrown into conversations.. But i must admit my favourite bit was when they made love the first time. It was so romantic so passionate and so tender i felt like crying LOL I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE..ITS A MUST READ!!!
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