SEMPRE: REDEMPTION (Forever Series #2) by J.M. DARHOWER

Honestly? What can I say about Sempre: Redemption without spoiling this series other than, it was bloody brilliant and is an absolute must read! Go add it now!!

” Ascoltare il tuo cuore. Listen to your heart.”

Sempre book #1 was one of my favourite reads in 2012 and Sempre: Redemption will be one of my favourite reads of 2013. I can’t express enough how much I love this series. It’s different, horrific, hopeful, thrilling, passionate and romantic. All the characters in this series are pure class and so well written, you fall in love with them all…well….. Almost!

“Death has a way of changing people…When faced with our own mortality, we tend to start seeing the world differently.”

It’s EPIC!

Haven and Carmine’s love story continues and evolves beautifully in book #2, heart-breakingly and addictively and perhaps not how you would assume. I just couldn’t put it down and read it straight through the night. I will say though, that this time round it wasn’t only theirs that had me in tears! And to be honest? I still burst into tears now just thinking about it. The determination, the sacrifices, the love, the honour, the betrayal and the perseverance. This instalment is dark, but in order to resolve and for redemption to be achieved it needed to be. It had to be this way.

J.M Darhower is an amazing Author, I’m not sure how to explain her writing other than you literally don’t even realise you’re reading. You’re actually experiencing. The writing is flawless, effortless, and visually descriptive; it evokes every emotion you can experience. You will love, hate, despair, cry, laugh, and swoon. The small hairs on the back of your neck will stand to attention and your heart will beat out of your chest. You will feel frustrated, pissed off and curse this Author, well I did, but as it all comes together and your eyes and heart is opened even further you will just quite simply cry. Or tear up if you’re not as soppy as me.

The journey we go on is one of severe obstacles, growth, peace and revelations. I fell in love with Carmine in book #1 because his heart was pure gold. That still being so, he faces a real challenge and is tested beyond boundaries.

‘He was Carmine Marcello DeMarco…and even broken, he was beautiful.’

Carmine wanted to be different, he wanted to make a change, so to see him struggle and go the path of his family; well it broke my heart. I completely got it though. He sacrificed himself for the love of his life.  By him making the choice he did; in his mind, he saved Haven and gave her the opportunity and the life he believes she deserves. Is he right, well that’s debatable but how can you condemn his actions when they come from a pure good place?

‘This boy-this stubborn, selfless, stupid boy-had given himself to the mafia. He had handed control of his future over to the men, they hated most in exchange for her life. For her safety…’

As for Haven, this girl has such strength yet her vulnerability is immense.  She is given the opportunity to ‘fly’ and experience life. Her identity stamped firmly and clearly. Though decisions are forced upon her, how can she not grab life with both hands and carve her presence in it?! The innocence,  the fear and sense of loss the reader experiences with Haven getting her freedom is addictive and hopeful, though the heart knows what the heart wants and that is ultimately what you stay true to and the mark you want to leave in life. Also, freedom is relative and have a multiple definitions.

“You’re finally safe. You’re finally free.”

“Am I?” “Am I safe? Am I free?”

Now, as for Vincent De Marco and the ultimate mafia bad arse Corrado (love this man!!). The part they played, their stories….not only was my heart flying, it pounded…it broke and it melted. Hard men to the core, you have to see the double meaning in every word uttered and you get it and you fall in love all over again. One scene….seriously….one scene had my pulse racing, my hands clammy gripping my kindle, my nerves were shot and the floodgates opened. Why???? I get it, I really do but bloody hell…..why???????

“We all live through the same Hell, just with different devils.” “Our devil doesn’t give the benefit of the doubt. Our devil shoots first and asks questions later, if at all.”

I’m scared to say more, but I want you to pick this series up and go in blind, experience a beautifully written fucked up world of violence, families at war, slavery, deception, and loyalty but ultimately a world of love, hope and dreams.

In a sea of predictability be ready to be surprised!!

“Goodnight, my hummingbird…I’ll keep you in my dreams.”