Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret by Brigid Kemmerer
Elemental #4
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Publisher: Kensington Teen
Source: Publisher (Netgalley)
Star Rating: ★★★★

Rating: Essential

Nick Merrick is stretched to breaking point. He's trying to keep his grades sky-high or he won't get in to college. He's trying to keep his brother's business afloat or the Merricks will be out on the street. He's trying to keep the secret of where he's going in the evenings from his twin brother Gabriel - or he fears he'll lose his family. And he's trying to keep his mind off the hot, self-assured dancer who is his 'girlfriend's' partner.

And then Quinn takes to hanging around his sworn enemy, and an Elemental Guide is counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. Storms are brewing. On all sides.

Gareth Brody sat in a chipped plastic chair in the prison waiting room, listening for the guard to call his name.

---

Since reading the novella, I have been very excited for Nick's story. He was never my favourite Merrick brother; in fact, while I certainly liked him, he was always my least favourite. I didn't feel as though I knew enough about him to really like him. But the novella changed that, and after reading it I had hoped that he would grow on me more. 

Cover Reveal: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Release Date: January 28, 2014

Publisher: Kensington Books  

Goodreads

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?

Okay, so I adore this series. You know how I often talk about how I'm looking for books that are either about people with elemental powers, or that include time travel or parallel universes? Well, this is one of the series that kicked off the former of those obsessions. I read Storm and Spark (books one and two) a while ago because everyone seemed to be talking about them, and now I can't get enough! Brigid is one of my favourite YA authors now, and I'm very impressed with the direction she is taking this series. I can't wait for Secret, Nick's book, since I read the Breathless novella and now I feel like I'm being tortured by this wait.

Anyway, so, the cover. What do you guys think? I was expecting the brothers to be on the cover again until Brigid mentioned it was different than the rest. I'm a bit disappointed that Nick's love interest isn't on there, but still. I cannot wait for this book, you guys! And do you want to know another reason I'm excited for it? "This is by far my steamiest novel yet (in both relationships), and I'm a little surprised that my editor didn't make me change anything. Maybe she didn't notice." Yep, that's what Brigid said. I am so ready for this. Are you?

Brigid Kemmerer is the author of The Elemental Series, about a family of four brothers who control the elements, and their battle with those who want them dead. Storm, Spark, and Spirit are available now wherever books are sold. To read the novella introducing Nick’s story, be sure to check out Breathless available as an e-book only from major e-book retailers. You can learn more about Brigid and the Elemental boys at www.brigidkemmerer.com.

You can read my reviews of the previous books in this series by clicking on the covers below. You know, in case you wanted to see if this is your kind of thing. 

Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer
Elemental #3
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: K Teen
Source: Bought
Goodreads Stars: 4
Rating: Essential

Buy the Book: Amazon UK 

With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.

He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust… - Goodreads

I discovered this series last year when everyone was riled up about Spark being released. I wanted to find out what everyone was shouting about, so I bought both Storm and Spark and read them in a couple of days. Brigid Kemmerer has a way of captivating you with both the excellent story and the great characters. So after nine months of excruciating waiting, I finally got my hands on Spirit. And I loved it!

WoW: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer
Elemental #3
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: K Teen
Goodreads

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer
Elemental #2
Release Date: August 28, 2012 (UK)
Publisher: K-Teen
Source: Bought
Goodreads Stars: 4
Rating: Essential

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

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.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.

Gabriel can’t let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that’s right at his heels. But there are some risks he can’t help taking.

The fuse is lit… - Goodreads

I absolutely adored Storm, the first book in this series. So much so that I had to pick this one up straight after finishing it. Brigid Kemmerer and the Merrick brothers really hook you in. I am a little sad, though, because now I have to wait AGES for the third book in the series.

Honestly, I didn't love Gabriel as much as I thought I would. I mean, I still loved him, but I didn't LOVE him, if you catch my drift. In Storm I was pretty sure that Gabriel was my favourite out of the four Merrick brothers, but Michael shot up to the top spot when I read his novella and he's just not moving. I also prefer Chris to Gabriel. But that doesn't mean he was awesome. Proud, cheeky, and hot-tempered always does it for me.

Like I said in my review of the first book, I *LOVE* elemental powers. It's a weird non-sexual kink of mine, and I don't know what caused it but it's been this way for ages. So of course, I loved this. I loved learning about the rules regarding the powers, who the Merricks' enemies are, the Merrick brothers' limits... ALL OF IT. I loved it.

Spark was just as action packed and exciting as Storm. I actually found Spark to be a little less predictable, which was awesome because I love surprises. Gabriel's humour only added to the story, and I was laughing out loud at several points while reading. Brigid Kemmerer is just so funny!

Layne was also awesome. The mystery surrounding her scars was intriguing, and in the end it was all dealt with very well. I loved how she looked after her brother! Being a big sister myself, I really connected with her.

So, without spoiling everything, I will say that Spark is just as good as Storm, even if I didn't love Gabriel as much as I had hoped. I don't feel any disappointment at all!

The Elemental Series:

0.5. Elemental

1. Storm

1.5. Fearless

2. Spark

2.5 Breathless (2013)

3. Spirit (2013)

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer
Elemental #1
Release Date: April 24, 2012
Publisher: Kensington
Source: Bought
Rating: Essential

Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming. - Goodreads

I absolutely adore stories about people who can wield the elements in some fashion, and while I definitely went into this expecting to like it, I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did! The entire book had me hooked, and the amount of emotions I experienced while reading it was insane.

I feel as though I'm about to fangirl, but I shall rein myself in. Just for you.

The story is told from the points of view of both Becca (the girl who's bullied after a rumour is started about her sleeping with the football team) and Chris (Merrick. That is all.) Both points of view were a wonderful read, as I adored both of the characters and the events that happened in their chapters.

It was a little difficult to read at times because Becca had absolutely no idea about Chris being able to control (which is a bit of a strong word for what he can do right now, but still) water, but I already knew all that. There was no big AH-HA! moment for her either, and she just sort of accepted it when she found out. This didn't feel out of place, though, because so much stuff had happened between the two of them and she would have been an idiot if she hadn't caught on eventually.

I just have to say, I absolutely adored the Merrick brothers. They're my new favourite siblings, next to the Winchesters. Each one of them had their own unique personality and their own background, and they were all given a lot of time to shine considering that all but Chris were secondary characters. I'm not sure if I have a favourite out of the four of them, although while reading this I definitely liked Gabriel the most. Now, I think I may be in love with Michael.

I should probably also mention that I read this book and the sequel (and the prequel novella) one after the other, so my feelings are a little mixed up. That said, the fact that I did read them like that should show you that I ADORED this book! It was action packed, and full of awesome family feels (which I adore all of the time) and the characters were THE BEST.

There is a love triangle in this book, but don't let that put you off. It's really not that awful, and Becca does go backwards and forwards a TINY WEENY bit, but it's not Twilight or The Vampire Diaries. You needn't worry.

I'm trying to think of something else to say so I won't break into fangirling mode, which is usually reserved for Twitter and Tumblr. Erm... THIS IS SUCH A GREAT BOOK YOU GUYS I AM IN LOVE WITH THESE BROTHERS AND THIS AUTHOR /fail.

In all seriousness, GO AND PICK THIS UP NOW.

The Elemental Series:

0.5. Elemental

1. Storm

1.5. Fearless

2. Spark

2.5 Untitled (2013)

3. Spirit (2013)