5 STAR ARC #Review: Secret (Elemental #4) by Brigid Kemmerer (@BrigidKemmerer‎)

Now that Brigid explained about all of the other brothers, it's time for the story of Nick.  And it's certainly the one to hear..

Original Title: Secret

Series: Elemental #4

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: January 28th, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Nowhere is safe. Not even home…

Nick Merrick is stretched to the breaking point.

Keep his grades sky-high or he’ll never escape his hometown.
Keep his brother’s business going or the Merricks will be out on the street.
Keep the secret of where he’s going in the evenings from his own twin—-or he’ll lose his family.

Keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who’s supposed to be his “girlfriend’s” partner.

Of course there’s also the homicidal freak Quinn has taken to hanging around, and the Elemental Guide counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers.

There’s a storm coming. From all sides. And then some.

Nick Merrick, can you keep it together?

REVIEW

Nick Merrick, an air elemental, has a secret; one he keeps with himself for so long that he learned to live with it..but, miserably!  Quinn, Becca's BFF, is the only one who knows the secret and she is helping him hide it.  But, when Nick sees his mate, all the secrets are coming out in the open..not only Nick's, but Quinn's too.  And they are not sure how to handle it..

This book covers some serious issues, which is truly addressed well.  It's kind of difficult to write this review without revealing any spoilers.  But, I will am going to give it a try.

Quinn, although lacks self-confidence at first, but acts hardcore on the outside, clings to Nick, just because she likes him and he most probably won't hurt her.  But, when it comes to giving Nick some space, she meets Taylor, the fatal enemy of the Merrick's brothers.  Taylor is not new character; but we see a new face of him.  And then there is another Guide in town to kill the Merrick brothers and he cannot be taken lightly.

I am really proud of the maturity in brothers, especially Michael.  The guy is so young, but faced with so many tough situations.  Of course, he handles them all very well, understands his teen brothers and makes a life for himself.  I am very glad that he finally got his own girl friend, one who understands him better.

There are three couples here and all are awesome.  I can't stop reading this and when it's over, I can't wait to read more..  Another successful installment from a trusted author!  She will never fail to amaze me.

If you haven't started this book yet, you should seriously start now.

Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

I have had this book for so long sighing every time I see it my Kindle and saying that I will definitely get back to it one day.  And now finally I got to read it and I just don't want to stop reading..

Original Title: Spark

Series: Elemental #2

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: August 28th, 2012

Source: Own copy

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

REVIEW

Gabriel Merrick has been a total idiot in the previous book, Storm.  And we are finally able to get to Gabriel's POV.  Gabriel has trouble being in control with his element - FIRE.  And there were fires in town.. And although Gabriel is not the one starting it, his own brother doubt it.  Between that, he was banned from his school game, until he passes his math test, which he was never able to do until now.  His life seems to get as low as possible, except for one bright thing - Layne.  Layne, who always wears turtlenecks and jeans and appears nerdy with glasses, is all Gabriel can think about.

I liked the couple..more than Chris and Becca in "Storm".  Gabriel is totally reckless, totally out of control in his moods and totally hot.  I hated him picking fight with Nick.  I hated him not giving a crap about what others think when the words come out of his mouth.  But still..the guy is trying..  Although Gabriel solves his problems with fists, he always stands up for everyone he cares about and I love him about it.  His stunt with the Layne's father made me both shocked and amused.

Her dad took a step forward.  "I'll have you arrested and charged with trespassing and statutory rape."
"Then I'm going to need another fifteen minutes."

Seriously????  That's what you say to your girl friend's father?  I want to hit him in the face and then I was laughing so hard..  Whatever..I just don't get this guy.

I enjoyed the initial banter between Quinn (Becca's friend) and Gabriel..

"Oh, you don't like that?  What about this?"  She licked her finger and stuck it in his ear.
He smacked her hand away.  He'd never punched a girl, but she might be the first.

Layne is a strong girl, although she seems timid at first.  After reading all her secrets, I am sure she is great for Gabriel.  I don't want to give more spoilers, speaking about Layne.  I will just say that the girl had faced her share of torture and she deserves to be happy.

Some more shocking secrets are revealed at the end.  And rest of the brothers are maturing as well.  They are kids for God's sake, and they are facing troubles and responsibilities more than they can take - all with a guy in their head always trying to shut them off completely.

I can't stop reading and I immediately started with my ARC of "Secret"..

Brigid Kemmerer has proven it yet again that she can hold the readers' attention until the end and make them crave for more!

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What was it like before women were given rights to determine their own destinies? How was abortion and birth control used in the 1860s? What happens to a society when the last sexual taboo is permitted? Find out in the third mystery in the Pat O'Malley Historical Steampunk Mystery Series, Jane the Grabber.

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Genre – Historical Steampunk Mystery 

Rating – PG13

More details about the author

Connect with  Jim Musgrave on Facebook & Twitter

Website http://contempinstruct.com/Forevermore/

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Set against the backdrop of Soviet, post-war Russia, Birth of an Assassin follows the transformation of Jez Kornfeld from wide-eyed recruit to avenging outlaw. Amidst a murky underworld of flesh-trafficking, prostitution and institutionalized corruption, the elite Jewish soldier is thrown into a world where nothing is what it seems, nobody can be trusted, and everything can be violently torn from him.

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