Mafia and Suspense

Sempre by J.M. Darhower
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I must say this was a great book! Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read it.

Haven was brought into this world under circumstances that are beyond many of our understandings. Carmine has many advantages in life, but due horrible events he can only feel anger and resentment. Sempre is a story of forgiveness and love where these two destined soles learn to overcome their fears and fight their demons to find love. It is also a story where lost love can be found and forgiven. As these teenager's find comfort, love and compassion in each other, the Mafia world Carmine's family is involved in comes crashing down around them. Each character is enslaved by the code of honor which binds the Mafia brotherhood as events lead to secrets exposed and lives are threatened.

As a librarian, I would love to recommend this book to my students, but with reservations. Although I know vulgar language is part of my student's lives, but there are times where I want their book choices to rise above this form of disrespect. This being said, Carmine's choice words throughout the book are at times needed and reflect his emotions or expressions bordering on humorous.

My other concern is for the sexual content. The author uses these scenes to express the emotions and raw desires Haven and Carmine have for each other and I believe these scenes are well written. However, I do need to explain to my students that a certain level of maturity comes with choosing this book and to respect the message rather than treating it inappropriately.

As I have done with other books which border on the New Adult versus the Young Adult genres, I will carefully recommend this title to students who may be interested as well as explain my reservations.

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Update: The second book int the series was published in December 2013. It' scaled Sempre: Redemption and the review will be soon to follow May 26, 2014 at 4:11 PM