Sempre by J.M. Darhower Review by Sandie

A sexy novel about two seventeen-year-olds—one a victim of human trafficking; the other the son of the man who enslaved her—who fall in love and question everything they ever believed…

Haven Antonelli and Carmine DeMarco grew up under vastly different circumstances. Haven, a second-generation slave, was isolated in the middle of the desert, her days full of hard work and terrifying abuse. Carmine, born into a wealthy Mafia family, lived a life of privilege and excess.

Now, a twist of fate causes their worlds to collide. Entangled in a web of secrets and lies, they learn that while different on the surface, they have more in common than anyone would think.

In a world full of chaos, where money and power rule, Haven and Carmine yearn to break free, but a string of events that began before either of them were born threatens to destroy them instead. Murder and betrayal are a way of life, and nothing comes without a price—especially not freedom. But how much will they have to sacrifice? Can they escape their pasts? And, most of all, what does it mean to be free?

Ah-freaking-mazing! that is the only word I can use to sum up this book. 

I read so many books as a reviewer and at times I feel as though they all seem to melt together. This book though...

I am in awe of the author. The story that she told and the way it was weaved was superb. Modern day slaves is not something I often think about much less think can happen. Then this book...

Haven is in fact a slave and was brought up as one. Never knowing anything other than that. Then one day Dr. DeMarco takes her and she moves in with him and his two sons. This is where the book gets interesting. Dr. DeMarco's son Carmine becomes friends with Haven. Slowly the whole family teaches her about the world and how to live in it. There is a secret the Dr. is holding and OMG its huge. Loving this story was easy. It took me by the hand and lead me through a maze of fucked-up-ness, with splashes of sunshine. Those moments of sunshine stand out the most. 

Carmine's love for Haven and doing the unthinkable for her, broke my heart. 

This book has to be one of the best books I have read. The way J.M wove the tale and had the protagonists weave into one another lives. It is a story of love, sacrifice, freedom and slavery. The secondary characters brought this book full circle and I can't wait to read the next book.  

5/5 hearts easily!