Tag Archives: suspense

Release Day Review: Monster in His Eyes by J.M. Darhower

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Reviews by

Monster in His Eyes by J.M. Darhower

Monster in His Eyes by J.M. Darhower
Series: Monster in His Eyes #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 28th 2014
Links: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
Source: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review

Ignazio Vitale is not a good man.

I suspect it, the first time I see him, sense the air of danger that surrounds the man. He has a way of commanding attention, of taking control, of knowing what I’m thinking before I even do.

It’s alarming and alluring. It’s dark and deadly. It’s everything I’ve ever wanted but the last thing I truly need. Obsession.

It doesn’t take him long to draw me into his web, charming me into his bed and trapping me in his life, a life I know nothing about until it’s too late. He has secrets, secrets I can’t fathom, secrets that make it so I can’t walk away, no matter how much I beg him to let me go. I see it sometimes in his eyes, a darkness that’s both terrifying and thrilling. He’s a monster, wrapped up in a pretty package, and what I find when I unmask him changes everything.

I want to hate him.

Sometimes, I do.

But it doesn’t stop me from loving him, too.

This book blew. MY. MIND!!!!! I still can’t wrap my head around Monster in His Eyes–it was nothing like I ever expected, and I LOVED it! It’s intense, raw, suspenseful, gorgeously written, and so freaking goooood!!!

We have our heroine, Karissa, an 18-year-old freshman at NYU who’s just a normal girl trying to distance herself from her overbearing mom. She’s getting through her first year of college–she’s normal, relatable, and I easily connected with her as the heroine. J.M. Darhower portrays her perfectly as a college girl, but the story really only picks up when Karissa meets Ignazio “Naz” Vitale. Ignazio Vitale, who is 36, intense, and holds so much raw confidence and power in himself that Karissa never stood a chance against him.

Karissa is wary of Naz, and rightly so. Here’s a guy who’s gorgeous, rich, and twice her age, and he’s pursuing her? But there’s something so tempting, so invigorating, so thrilling about Naz that Karissa can’t stay away. Naz even warns Karissa to stay away from him but…

“I thought I could play with you a bit, and let you go, but once I had you, Karissa, I had to keep you. I couldn’t walk away.”

As Karissa starts falling for this man, a man she really knows nothing about, it’s all very romantic, but I could never get that feeling–the chills-up-your-spine kind of feeling–out of my mind. There was always something more to Naz, something dark and dangerous, and I never forgot it, and neither does Karissa. I honestly didn’t know what to think about Naz. Did I think he was too old for Karissa? Yes, but I could deal with that. Did I fall for him? Maybe a liiitle bit–he’s insanely sensual and passionate, but I just couldn’t ignore the warning bells ringing in my head. Because there’s no doubt that Naz is very dark and very, very dangerous.

And when his eyes cut my way, and I see the darkness on the surface, I’m reminded that this man hangs out with monsters.
And one might even exist inside of him.

Ignazio Vitale is one very intriguing man, and J.M. Darhower has written him so very, very perfectly. I swooned and I gasped, and I felt an incredibly wide range of emotions because of him. He’s such a thrilling character to read about, especially from Karissa’s POV. The author’s writing is brilliant, and I don’t think I’ve ever been more fascinated in and intrigued with a character than I am about Naz.

He lives in his own little world, where he’s the king, and I’m more than happy to be his minion… although, when he looks at me, flashing that dimple, I feel like nothing less than his queen.

Naz is addictive and powerful, sweeping Karissa off her feet and carrying her into his world, but it’s not exactly a HEA for them. There are dark twists and turns in this book, things that were jaw-dropping and had me reeling. Fans of suspense will not be disappointed.

I honestly couldn’t get enough of Karissa and Naz’s story. I never wanted it to end, and now I’m pretty much dying for book 2, Torture in Her Soul!! Monster in His Eyes is a fascinating, fantastic book that had me hooked from the start. So go READ IT!!

4.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Monster in His Eyes series

Monster in His Eyes by J.M. Darhower Torture to Her Soul by J.M. Darhower Target on Our Backs by J.M. Darhower

#1 ~ Monster in His Eyes: Ebook • Paperback • Audible • Goodreads
#2 ~ Torture to Her Soul: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Target on Our Backs: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads

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Blog Tour + Early Review & Giveaway: Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Posted in 4.5 hearts, Blog Tours, Giveaways, Reviews by

Return to Poughkeepsie blog tour

I’m SO happy to be a part of the Return to Poughkeepsie blog tour! I adored Poughkeepsie, and I’m so glad that Beckett is finally getting his own story. Today I’m reviewing Return to Poughkeepsie, and don’t forget to enter the giveaways below!

Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia
Series: Poughkeepsie #2 (full reading order below)
Release Date: December 30th 2013
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Beckett Taylor is a murderer. His calling, his craft are destruction and intimidation—whether he wants it that way now or not. He left Poughkeepsie to keep his brothers safe, to keep Eve safe. Set up with happy lives to live, they’re better off without him, right?

But all his willpower crumbles when he hears his brother Blake’s frantic voice on the phone. An unknown enemy has moved in on his old territory, and Livia’s been taken. In an instant, Beckett knows it will take an attack only he and Eve can execute to bring her back. All his self-imposed embargoes are torn to shreds, perhaps along with the new man he’s struggled to become.

“Brother, call Eve. I’ll be there soon.”

In this emotional and action-packed sequel to Poughkeepsie, Debra Anastasia conjures a tale of love at its most raw and ragged. With Beckett and Eve, how could we expect anything less? But even when it’s messy, not magical, true love perseveres. Real love finds a way—for better or for worse until death does part.

Purchase:
Amazon • B&N

review

Beckett!!! I love this man to death. Seriously. He is rude, abrasive, crude, crass, naughty, and a bad, bad man. BUT he has a heart of freaking gold that holds so much love for the people most important to him: his brothers, their wives and children, and most especially Eve. Eve, the love of Beckett’s life, who is a total babe and badass, who he had to leave so she could find a better life with a better man. Oh, Beckett just makes me swoon–and laugh!

We never got to know what happened to Beckett–where he went, what he did–at the end of Poughkeepsie. But now… we finally get his story! He’s left Eve and his brothers to protect them, because he’s a wanted man. Well, he’s always been a wanted man, but this time, he has to leave for good.

From book 1:

“Know this: I love you so fucking much,” Beckett said. “No other person has been to me what you are. No one else ever will be.” He leaned down and gave her the sweetest, gentlest kiss.

And has Beckett’s love for Eve changed? Not for a single second. This man may have blood on his hands, but he loves with his whole heart. And he knows he has to become a better man in order to come back into the lives of the ones he loves. So for the next 5 years, he becomes a normal man. No more killing, no more illegal dealings. Just him and his new dog, Gandhi (who is just adorable!) and his liquor store.

“Yeah, but, you see, I pictured, like, I don’t know, doing something huge. Saving the world.” Beckett shrugged.
Blake shook his head. “Sometimes you can save someone’s whole world just by smiling at them. Kindness is one of those things that has immense value to the person experiencing it.”

Beckett’s not comfortable being a good man, but he’ll do it for those he loves, because he’s just that kind of man. He’ll do literally anything to keep Eve, Blake, Cole, Livia, and Kyle safe. And if you thought there was some crazy intense action in Poughkeepsie? Wait till you get to Return to Poughkeepsie. Beckett might try to be a good man, but his past life finds a way to catch up with him. Between him and Eve, there wasn’t a dull moment in Return to Poughkeepsie, and I loved it!

Beckett and Eve are hot hot hot together, and I just adore them, but I also loved how we get more of Blake and Livia, and Cole and Kyle! The couples are married, and Blake and Livia even have two adorable children. Getting a glimpse–actually, it’s more than a glimpse, so yay!–into their married lives was so satisfying to read. But it’s not all a happily ever after. Kyle and Cole are having problems with conceiving. No matter how hard they try, Kyle just can’t get pregnant, and it’s heartbreaking to read. But this part of life is real, and I was impressed with how Debra Anastasia conveyed this in the book.

We get introduced to more characters, both good and bad. Like Ryan!! I totally adored him, and the antics of his vindictive ex-girlfriend. There’s a new baddie in town who’s trying to take over Poughkeepsie, but Eve so isn’t going to allow someone to take over her town. I love Eve. I think she’s the bomb. She’s an incredibly skilled killer, but she uses those skills for good to protect those she loves… just like Beckett. And even though 5 years have passed since she’s seen Beckett, she still loves him. The two of them are absolutely perfect for each other. They match each other, challenge each other, and love each other so hard. It was wonderful seeing these two together again, because they deserve to have a happily ever after together, even if they aren’t ‘good’ people.

The only problem I had was with the blurb. I kept waiting and waiting for Livia to be kidnapped, but it never even happens until midway through the book! I did love the book, but I was a little miffed. Still, Beckett stole my heart all over again!

“I love you, Eve. You’re the only heart I have.”

Eeep! The Poughkeepsie series is an absolute must-read! You’ll fall in love with all of the brothers, and the story, romance, and action will keep you riveted.

4.5 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Poughkeepsie series

Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Return to Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia Saving Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

#1 ~ Poughkeepsie: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Return to Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Saving Poughkeepsie: Ebook • Goodreads (Nov. 22, 2014)

about the author

Debra AnastasiaDebra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’s dinner, the dogs, the two kids, the two kids, and her ongoing battle with…ahem… digestive issues, which combined with her adolescent boy sense of humor makes for colorful and sometimes cringe-worthy social media updates. Her first love and crowning achievement is her thriving career as the weirdest mom on the block.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when–along with the animals and humans in her house–the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’s ear. Insomnia was the gateway to plots that wouldn’t give up, wouldn’t let go. Now they stalk her everywhere. Halfway through making lunches, a twist takes hold and–fingers full of peanut butter–she finds somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

She’s eternally grateful to Omnific Publishing, which has now published four of her books: two in the Seraphim Series and two in the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood Series, as well as her novella, Late Night with Andres. That one is special because 100% of the proceeds go to breast cancer research. (So go get it right now, please!) She also very much appreciates her open-minded readers, who embrace everything she has to offer, with a focus on anti-heroes and bathroom humor.

Debra lives in Maryland with her family. You can find her at DebraAnastasia.com and on Twitter @Debra_Anastasia. But be prepared.

Goodreads • Twitter • Facebook • Website

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Early Review: Elect by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Elect by Rachel Van Dyken

Elect by Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Eagle Elite #2 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: December 10th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Forever) in exchange for an honest review

Would you die for the one you love?
Nixon Abandonato made his choice. And now he has to pay the price. Tracey is the We’vlove of his life, but being with him has made her a target of his family’s enemies. The only way to keep Trace alive is convince the world she means nothing to him.

Trace Rooks has fallen irrevocably in love with the son of her family’s sworn rival, and she knows in her bones nothing can tear them apart. Until Nix suddenly pushes her away and into the arms of his best friend… But Trace isn’t ready to give up on a future with Nix–and if he won’t fight for them, she will.

In the end, a sacrifice must be made. A life for a life. For what better way to cover a multitude of sins than with the blood of a sinner . . .

Okay, the first thing you should know about Elect is that it’s told in alternating POV! It was such a lovely surprise for me, because I had no idea that Rachel Van Dyken was changing things up a bit in Elect. We get to read from Nixon, Chase, and even Phoenix’s POVS! Hurray for male POV’s, and incredibly written ones at that.

There will be spoilers for those who haven’t read Elite, just FYI!

We found out in Elite that Tracey, Nixon, and the gang are all involved with the mafia in one way or another. And we finally get to know more about the mafia and dangerous people in it. If mafia/mob books are your type of thing, or you want to start reading those types of books, I highly recommend this series. Rachel Van Dyken skillfully integrates the mafia world into her book, and then suddenly you’re thrust into the world and you don’t want to leave. I had a fantastic time reading Elect. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and so much fun to read. I couldn’t put the book down!

Since we get Nixon’s POV, we obviously get more information about the way the mafia works. Nixon is the leader of the Abandonato family, and he’s in charge of everything–the people, the money, etc. He doesn’t have a clean past, but he wants to be good enough for the love of his life, Tracey. And he’s the most caring, wonderful boyfriend in the world. He puts her above himself and all others, and he’ll stop at nothing to keep her safe and alive–even if it means he can’t have her.

As we get more POVs from Chase, Nixon’s cousin, right-hand man, and best friend, we also get to know Chase’s feelings for Trace. Because Chase is in love with Trace too. He feels guily for loving her, but he can’t stop. Chase is in charge of Trace’s safety, which means he’s around her all the time, and he can’t stop his love from growing. I felt so sad for Chase, because we know that Nixon and Tracey are it. They’re perfect together and they belong together, and it’s so painful for Chase to watch them that my heart was hurting for him.

But then… dangerous people become involved in their lives, and Tracey and everyone’s lives are in danger. We are introduced to the mafia family from Sicily, who are powerful people, and there’s a great mystery involved with Trace’s parents deaths. Unforeseen circumstances tear Nixon and Trace apart, and Chase is there to pick up the pieces. But is Tracey willing enough to let Nixon go and take a chance with Chase?

“Choose me,” I whispered. “Because my heart? My soul? My damn existence? Has already spoken, and it wants you, and only you–forever.”

Oooh, who could it be? Who does Trace choose? Nixon? Chase? AH! I really liked this love triangle. It helped that I didn’t need to read Trace’s POV, because if there were any chapters in her POV, then I would have gotten tired of the love triangle fast. There was no “Which one should I choose?” dilemma that I had to read. We only read from the guys’ POVs, and their POVs are so amazing! I was swooning and sighing a lot in this book.

“I feel lost.”
“Let me find you.”
“I feel sick.”
“Let me heal you.” I kissed her head.
“I feel sad.”
“Let me be your happiness.”

I was Awwwing so hard here! Nixon is just so. damn. sweet.

But anyways, besides the great romance in the book, Elect had so many twists and turns that had me reeling and being so enthralled in the story. There are things that Phoenix is hiding, and once the truth is set free, it changes everything for the characters. And as bad as Phoenix was in Elite, he really had a change of heart in Elect, and he’s such a complex, incredible character.

For fans of Elite, you don’t want to miss Elect. It has everything you’d expect from a mafia romance and more. 4 hearts!

“Besides, romance isn’t something you work at–not when you find the right girl. When you fall in love, when you take that leap, it’s as natural as breathing; it’s as simple as that. I’m romantic because my heart demands I be nothing less than one hundred percent, for you, day and night.”

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Eagle Elite series

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken Enforce by Rachel Van Dyken Elect by Rachel Van Dyken
Entice by Rachel Van Dyken Elicit by Rachel Van Dyken Ember by Rachel Van Dyken

#1 ~ Elite: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Enforce: Goodreads (Dec. 2014)
#2 ~ Elect: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Entice: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Elicit: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ember: Goodreads (Feb. 2015)

Review: Elite by Rachel Van Dyken

Posted in 3.5 hearts, Reviews by

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken
Series: Eagle Elite #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: April 14th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback

When I won the annual Eagle Elite College Scholarship lottery, I was thrilled. After all, my grandma had just died and I wanted to take care of my aging grandpa — he couldn’t be a farmer in Wyoming forever. And graduating from Eagle Elite meant opportunity.

But I wasn’t counting on meeting Nixon.

Nor was I counting on the rules of the Elect.

1. Do not touch The Elect.
2. Do not look at The Elect.
3. Do not speak to The Elect.

And worst of all? Don’t discover the secret they hide, because in the end, you may just realize… it’s about you.

*This is a New Adult Book, blood, violence, cursing, sexual references, and drug use. Not recommended for those under 17.*

This book… was nothing I ever expected. The beginning was less than stellar, so I wasn’t sure I’d even enjoy the rest of the book, but then… things started to get intense. Exciting. Thrilling. And very different from your average new adult/college romance. I can’t say that I loved it, but I ended up really enjoying myself by the end of the book.

The first third of the book was bad. I didn’t like it. It had too much of a clichéd boarding school young adult feel, which I’m not a fan of. The characters didn’t sound their age at all. They were in their twenties, but when they opened their mouths, they were 14 year old middle schoolers. Not good at all. The main character, Tracey, or Trace, is a freshman in college, and she wins a scholarship to Eagle Elite College, one of the top, prestigious colleges that houses the rich and wealthy. At the very top of the student body, the elite of the elite, is the group known as The Elect. The boys in The Elect–Nixon, Chase, Phoenix, and Tex–rule the school, and they have a very strict set of rules.

1. Do not touch The Elect.
2. Do not look at The Elect.
3. Do not speak to The Elect.

Um, yeah. Assholes, much? Basically, The Elect a bunch of good-looking, nasty bullies who rule the school and who all the girls fall over themselves for. Can you tell how much I didn’t like that? This was the entire first third of the book. Nixon would devise some scheme to humiliate Tracey, the new girl, and Trace would try not to cry. But it turns out that Nixon does all this to protect Trace from the other students. If he bullies Trace, no one else will. And once he withdraws his “protection” all hell breaks loose and Trace is completely humiliated and degraded. By this time, I’m not even sure where the book is going, but thank god, the plot starts to change. It moves away from the petty bullying, to the more mysterious side of the story. The Elect takes in Trace, and she gets to know them better, especially Nixon, but there’s always something she’s missing from their conversations. It’s like they have an inside joke, and Trace isn’t a part of it.

Eventually, things start to take a darker tone, but all the while, Trace and Nixon are getting closer together. There are secrets between them though, secrets that Nixon doesn’t want Trace to know. I don’t want to spoil it, even though it’s fairly obvious in the book what Nixon is involved in, but this was the reason why I started liking Elite a lot better. Plus, Nixon becomes a total sweetheart. I haven’t really forgiven him for being a complete jerk, but he was getting there. Because, oh my, the things he says to Trace? Swoon!

“Don’t you get it?”
My breathing became erratic as he leaned close enough to kiss me again. “I’d give my life for yours.”

By a darker tone, I meant that lives are at stake. It’s not some cutesy romance anymore. There’s death and violence, and everything is so much more than you can comprehend. You think that the story will be going one way, but the plot twists and turns, and Rachel Van Dyken does this flawlessly.

The rest of the story, after that awful first third of the book, was awesome! Rachel Van Dyken had me make a complete 180 about all the characters. I started caring for Nixon and Trace and the rest of the gang, and I was hooked onto their story. I couldn’t stop reading, because everything builds up, revelations are made, and all the characters are in constant danger. It’s so much fun to read! And I really started liking Nixon more by the end of the book. AH! He’s so sweet, even if he is a dangerous man.

“I won’t let anything happen to you – I swear on my life, I’ll protect you until the day I die,” Nixon whispered hoarsely.
“That’s a pretty big promise.”
“Well, you’re a pretty important person. Important people deserve big promises, and you, Trace. You deserve the world.”

Okay, so I give 2 hearts for the first third, and 4 for the rest of the book. 3.5 hearts! If you can get over the meh of the first third of the book, then I think you’ll enjoy Elite just fine.

3.5-hearts

lacey

Reading Order: Eagle Elite series

Elite by Rachel Van Dyken Enforce by Rachel Van Dyken Elect by Rachel Van Dyken
Entice by Rachel Van Dyken Elicit by Rachel Van Dyken Ember by Rachel Van Dyken

#1 ~ Elite: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#1.5 ~ Enforce: Goodreads (Dec. 2014)
#2 ~ Elect: My Review • Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#3 ~ Entice: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#4 ~ Elicit: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#5 ~ Ember: Goodreads (Feb. 2015)

Early Review: Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Posted in 4 hearts, Reviews by

Sempre by J.M. Darhower

Sempre by J.M. Darhower
Series: Forever #1 (full reading order below)
Publication Date: November 25th 2013
Purchase: Ebook • Paperback
Source: I received an ARC from the publisher (Gallery Books) in exchange for an honest review

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?

Wow. What a book. I honestly had no idea how intense and dark and gritty Sempre was until I started reading, and immediately I was hooked. Haven and Carmine live in a harsh, cruel world, where death is a constant, and you never know who you can trust. Carmine lives on the privileged side, but he is still part of the Mafia family, where absolute loyalty is a must, or else you die. Haven is born as a slave, living with cruel owners. In the prologue of the book, when Haven is just a young girl, her master forces her to watch as he kills another young girl. What an opening, right?

J.M. Darhower writes the dark world they live in so well that I was immersed in Haven and Carmine’s story, all the while disgusted at the cruelty and desperately hoping for their Happily Ever After. Haven and Carmine meet when Carmine’s father, Vincent, buys Haven from her cruel owner. This is not to say that Vincent is a good man; far from it actually. Vincent is part of the Italian mafia and has done unspeakable things for his ‘family’. It’s a mystery then, why Vincent takes Haven away from her bad owners, though we slowly find out his reasons later in the book.

The instant Haven and Carmine meet, they feel something for each other, though neither of them know what it means. Haven has no clue, being the isolated girl that she is, but she sees something in Carmine no one else does. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that Carmine is incredibly handsome ;). For Carmine, he has a better idea of what he’s feeling, but he pushes those feelings away. He’s never cared about anything or anyone but himself after his mother’s death, and he takes things for granted: his money, his car, and especially the girls. He’s the wham, bam, thank-you-ma’am kind of guy, so why would he ever feel more than the usual for a girl? But slowly, as they spend more time together, Carmine realizes the depth of his feelings. He sees how kind and compassionate Haven is, despite the fact that she has every right to hate everyone and the world for the way she was treated. And this changes Carmine. He wants to be someone who deserves to love Haven, someone who deserves her love.

They fall in love, even though they shouldn’t. They’re star-crossed lovers *dreamy sigh*. They start to imagine themselves having a future together, with blank slates, and Carmine vows to find a way to make this a reality.

“Nothing’s more important to me than you, tesoro. I’d give my life for you.”

Tesoro = treasure. Swoon!

Vincent, Carmine’s father, has a big part of the story as well. His wife meant the world to him, and when she was killed, he lost his heart. My heart went out to Vincent and his story, even though he does act cold and harsh sometimes. But we know that despite his actions towards Haven and Carmine, his number one priority is keeping his children safe, which means keeping them away from the Mafia. He knows that once Carmine goes down that dark path, he can never come out of it.

I liked Carmine and Haven, and yet I felt kind of distanced from them. I couldn’t really connect, but it weirdly didn’t affect much on how I enjoyed the book. It might have been because Sempre is written in the third POV, but the story and narrations were good enough that I didn’t care that I was distanced from the characters.

There are so many secrets and hidden pasts that I nearly couldn’t keep up! The book moved at a slow pace (it’s a bit long), but there was never a dull moment. This was one of the few times where I actually enjoyed reading at a slower pace. I loved that Carmine and Haven didn’t rush their love, and let it run its course naturally. The Mafia was intriguing to read about. We mostly know about them through Vincent’s eyes, and they are bad and dangerous, and utterly fascinating. They live by their own rules, and people die all the time.

I don’t know if it was just me, but every time there were Italian words with no explanation of what they meant in the book, I looked them up online. And (I’m such a sucker) I totally swooned every time Carmine spoke loving words in Italian to Haven. GAH! My heart.

This quote perfectly describes Haven and Carmine, and their situation:

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 yin 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 would merge as one. They had to.

Plus, another quote that shows how much Haven has changed from a scared, innocent, lonely girl to one who has determination, courage, and strength. Haven finally feels happy, because she has a place in the world, with Carmine.

Home. She got it now. For the first time in her life, something felt like home. It was a place they had come together. It was where they had found love. She finally knew what that world meant.

Overall, I highly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t stop reading, and the plot was so exciting and suspenseful. This is a darker read than a normal contemporary romance, so just beware! There will be violence and death, but if you don’t mind reading about these, then you should definitely go for Sempre!

If you don’t mind reading about whether the book has a cliffhanger/HEA or not, then keep reading! .  .  . The ending doesn’t have a cliffhanger, but it’s a hugely open ending. I honestly would NOT have been happy if J.M. Darhower wasn’t writing a sequel, but thank god, she is! I can’t wait to read Sempre: Redemption! As for the HEA… I’m a bit worried. They’re still together at the end of Sempre, but I have no idea what will go down in the sequel. *bites nails*

4 hearts
lacey

Quotes are taken from the arc and are subject to change in the final version.

Reading Order: Forever series

Sempre by J.M. Darhower Sempre Redemption by JM Darhower

#1 ~ Sempre: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads
#2 ~ Sempre: Redemption: Ebook • Paperback • Goodreads