Redemption (Sempre, #2) in Buddy Read Zone

May 08, 2013 Alexis *Reality Bites* rated it really liked it

Shelves: family_drama, kindle-book, badboy-boyfriend, family-secrets-revealed, heart_pounding_moments, made-me-go-wtf, discovery, i-own, unexpected-twist, betrayal

SEMPRE: REDEMPTION Dual Review for Reality Bites! Let’s Get Lost!
4 STARS

’The button had been pushed. The nuclear bomb had been ignited. Their fragile bubble of contentment was about to fucking explode.’

Becky - Sempre Redemption centers around Carmine's struggles to adjust to his new life in the Mafia. Needless to say, it is not an easy transition for him. He turns to alcohol and drugs to deal with the things he has seen and done. But the highs only last so long and they are only hurting him mor ...more

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Jul 15, 2020 Brandi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: emotional, suspense, reach-for-the-xanax, favorites

The best thing about going back to re-read old favorites, is continuing a series that you never got back too. I am so glad I finally got around to reading this one. Perfection.

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Dec 12, 2013 Aman rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Reviewed @ Enticed by Books

I HAVE NO WORDS! There is no way I can do justice to this book with my review. It's just not possible! But I'm still going to try. After finishing Sempre, I wasn't in love with the story; the character did leave a mark and as far as storytelling and direction goes, I was sort of in the middle. Cut to now, where I've just finished Sempre Redemption and can't be more happier with my decision to continue this series. It was out of the world! The feels it gave me were simp Reviewed @ Enticed by Books

I HAVE NO WORDS! There is no way I can do justice to this book with my review. It's just not possible! But I'm still going to try. After finishing Sempre, I wasn't in love with the story; the character did leave a mark and as far as storytelling and direction goes, I was sort of in the middle. Cut to now, where I've just finished Sempre Redemption and can't be more happier with my decision to continue this series. It was out of the world! The feels it gave me were simply indescribably. The length wasn't even an issue, I flew through that book within a day and I can honestly say that this was the best sequel I've ever read to date. The story could not have gone in a better direction and I'm so glad that the author took that risque step regarding the romance and for me, it works! Job well done!

Sempre Redemption opens up Haven and Carmine and the whole DeMarco family preparing for Christmas. The sweet moments only lasts for a few pages because that Christmas weekend, involving some very bittersweet interactions and a truly heartbreaking letter, sets up the base for the entire story. Carmine and Haven are set to explore their lives, him being a newbie in the Mafia dealings and her being just a normal girl experiencing the world for the first time. Haven goes to a college and starts making new friends. I loved this development in her character; from the naive, inexperienced girl, we see Haven grow into a mature, independent girl who wasn't afraid to take the next step. I loved seeing her come to terms with her past and accepting who she was and not wanting to hide it, I think that's something wonderful in itself. Haven was a beautiful, smart girl to began with, but the private time in New York ended up making her more confident and self-satisfied. Oh, I loved that girl so much!

I wasn't a diehard fan of Carmine in the first book, he was too cocky for his own good and the only thing I hoped he would accomplish in the sequel was--to be more in control and patient. And hallelujah, he managed to achieve that! Not only did he get a hold of his anger and controlled his mouth, dare I say that Carmine in-fact ended up making me fall for him! This was the Carmine I wanted all the time; after error and fail, drugs and hospital visits, violence and revelations, he grew up a lot faster than I expected and that's a good thing! Besides Haven and Carmine, we get a POV of a man I feared and sort of loved in the first book, Corrado Moretti. He was a fucking awesome character! I'm obsessed with him and his lifestyle and his thought process, and I only hope that, if there is a sequel or companion to this series (which I've a feeling there would be), we get to see more of Corrado. His case trial and hearing was my favorite scene/part in Sempre Redemption.

All in all, Sempre Redemption was a thrilling read that played with our hearts and mind, and made us question our morals as well as our values. It was also a rough yet beautiful story about a lost girl and a clueless boy, and their path to redemption and a possible happily-ever-after. In short, read this series! The first book might be difficult to get into initially, but if you stick with it and complete it all the way, you're going to be left with a memorable story to cherish forever.

PS: I looked back to one of my reviews where I said that Sweet Peril was the best sequel to date, but I guess it's second now. It's a competitive world, people! :D

An early arc was provided by the Publisher for an honest feedback. (Thank You!!!) ...more

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Jun 27, 2013 Tom rated it really liked it

** CONTAINS SPOILERS**
I never write reviews with spoilers but this is just too difficult to put my thoughts out there without talking about the story. Really liked but not really what I was hoping for. I feel like the story had a chance to be unique and instead followed a YA blueprint that I have read a couple times.

I’m not disappointed because they were apart for much of the story. I’m disappointed because I don’t think the story was better because of it. Haven’s struggle with her “freedom” and ...more

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Dec 11, 2013 Kathy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc

5+++++ stars For the full review with quotes, visit Romantic Reading Escapes.

Sempre Redemption is filled with suspense, fierce characters, and laced with tenderness while presenting a beautiful story that will lure every emotion from the reader and raise them to the surface. This is a MUST read!! I was crying, giggling, tensing, smiling, shivering, gasping....A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! The first sentence on the first page stopped my heart completely, and it didn't restart until three paragraphs later.

I was 5+++++ stars For the full review with quotes, visit Romantic Reading Escapes.

Sempre Redemption is filled with suspense, fierce characters, and laced with tenderness while presenting a beautiful story that will lure every emotion from the reader and raise them to the surface. This is a MUST read!! I was crying, giggling, tensing, smiling, shivering, gasping....A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!! The first sentence on the first page stopped my heart completely, and it didn't restart until three paragraphs later.

I was completely taken with Sempre (my review), as my eyes were opened to the problem of human trafficking and as someone who has always been intrigued by all things La Cosa Nostra. It seems as though I've been waiting forever for the sequel to come along, and when it finally has....I'm completely blown away! It is imperative that these books be read in order to understand the characters, their backgrounds, and get a complete background of the story.

This installment picks up immediately after Carmine's decision to pledge his loyalty to the mafia, and the time has come for him to take his place in the familia as a soldier. His first thought and priority is Haven's safety, even if it means he might lose her forever. Always the hot-headed, foul-mouthed, young man with anger issues, Carmine's sarcastic and disrespectful attitude doesn't bode well with the other members of his mafia family.

Overcome with grief, guilt, and conscience, Carmine will do whatever it takes to numb the pain of his criminal activities as a Principe in the mafia, leading to a downward spiral of self-destruction. When placed in the setting of Chicago among the dangerous members of his mafia crime family, Carmine never looked more like a frightened little boy. My heart went out to him as he struggled to survive.

Haven is now on her own, attempting to follow the dreams that she and Carmine made together for her. She grieves for Carmine and the life she had with him in North Carolina. Haven has always been a strong character to overcome her past, but she has never showed more strength than in this book. Haven is wise beyond her horrific upbringing, making a life for herself with new friends in a new and unfamiliar setting, and a new identity.

We met the dangerous Kevlar Killer, Corrado, in Sempre as a secondary character. Corrado is a significant character in Sempre Redemption, exuding more danger and demanding respect with his commanding presence. He is no longer Uncle Corrado to Carmine. He is now Carmine's superior, acting as his capo. The author has managed to show the many sides of Corrado: his love for his family, his loyalty to the organization, his emotionless dangerous side, and his compassion. Corrado's intentions were always hidden to the reader, making for a suspenseful roller coaster ride. I never knew which side of Corrado I was going to get, as he maintained a blank expression and never showed emotion...except with Celia. Corrado is easily my favorite character in the series.

J.M. Darhower has managed to WOW me once again with Sempre Redemption with freedom being the decisive theme. If you have this book on your to be read shelf, pull it off and read it NOW! My interest never wavered, and I truly found it difficult to put the book down, as I was reading until 6:00 a.m. and picking it back up after a few hours sleep. While lengthy at almost 600 pages, there is no filler. Every written passage has relevance, as secrets are revealed, loyalties are put to the test, and betrayals are rampant. Darhower continues to amaze me with her story telling, and I look forward to reading more from her in the future. ...more

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Oct 31, 2013 Tessamari ♥Many Waters...♥ ~ Sweet Spot Book Blog rated it really liked it

Shelves: hot-and-heavy, highly-emotional, favorites, lead-character-bad-boy, 2013, i-want-it-now, december-2013, lead-character-tattooed-and-sexy, mafia

4.5 Stars

**Possible spoilers below if you haven’t read book one**

“You’re not asking me to choose you. There’s no choice about it. It’s always been you. Your father once told me that we always have a choice, but I think he was wrong. I think sometimes things choose us. It’s like with breathing. It’s natural. It’s a part of us. It just happens. We can hold our breath and try not to breathe anymore, and it’ll work for a few minutes, but we’ll eventually pass out and nature takes over. We can’t j ...more

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May 17, 2013 Dawn Hickman rated it really liked it

I love this series and highly recommend! I the-read Sempre before starting the 2nd book and I'm so glad I did. My only complaint is I wish Carmine and Haven were together more in this book. But still loved it! ...more

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