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Elemental #4
Secret
EARTH. FIRE. AIR. WATER.
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.
SECRETS IN THE WIND. DANGER IN THE AIR.
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.
SECRETS IN THE WIND. DANGER IN THE AIR.
328 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2014
155 people are currently reading
7004 people want to read
About the author
Brigid Kemmerer
28 books17.7k followersBrigid Kemmerer is the New York Times and internationally bestselling author of dark and alluring romantic fantasy novels like Warrior Princess Assassin, Defy the Night, and A Curse So Dark and Lonely. A full time writer, Brigid lives in the Baltimore area with her family. When she’s not writing or being a mom, you can usually find her playing board games with her loving husband, or hanging out in the gym, with her hands wrapped around a barbell.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 774 reviews
July 26, 2013
I heart this series. That is all.
January 28, 2014
Who's your Merrick?
I love how every person who reads the Elementals series has a favorite and a least favorite book or character, then a second favorite or second least favorite book or character. Hardly anyone will agree on the order of what goes from first to last. With most series, there's a general progression from okay to better or better to worse, and a good portion of the time, fans will wholeheartedly agree where a series "started to pick up" or "started to go downhill." But there's something special about this particular series and its entire set of characters and experiences which speaks differently to every person. My favorite character is Michael, but my favorite books are Gabriel's and Nick's (so far). Chris's book was awesome, and Hunter's book was decent, but not a favorite. One of you might have Hunter for a favorite character, or Chris's book as your favorite. But I think most of us fans can agree on one thing : We love the Merricks.
The rest of my review is going to be a little different from my normal reviews. I'm going to be writing it only for the people who have read the Elementals series. If you have not read the series up to this point, you'll want to avoid the rest of this review because I'm just wanting to talk about my feelings - with tissues handy. If you're curious about this series, you might want to check out my earlier reviews for the series prequel (0.5) and book 1 if you want to get a feel for what these books are all about.
I knew as I was reading that there was no way I'd be able to write a public review stating the pros and cons of why people should read this series. There was just no way to do this when my heart was getting pummeled.
So I want to talk with you fellow fans about why Secret is tied for my favorite book of the series. It was really all about the emotion for me.
"You're safe here," he said softly. "Okay?"
"Sometimes I wish you weren't...you know."
"I know."
Nick always did what his brothers expected.
"What do you want? Does anyone ever ask you that?"
Those lines has me emotional, but the following scene with Nick and his mom broke me down into a blubbering mess :
He'd leaned into her contact, and she'd said, "You're the only one who still lets me do that. My gentle boy."
I don't even know why the dam burst there. It just did - and it came from out of NOWHERE.
But then it kept going. Of course Michael had to come along and be wonderful. Was anyone else having the same emotion?
"He wouldn't fall asleep at night unless Mom put you in his crib."
FFS, Can it GET any more emotional?
"I'm not his best friend, Nick. You are."
Why yes, yes it can.
Nick kept going. And Adam never said stop.
Even though Nick was the star of the book, I was just as pleased with Quinn's story with Tyler. Tyler wasn't the "normal" romantic lead. He smelled like beer and cigarettes. In a weird way, I liked that. He's a young man being a young man with the same habits that a lot of young men have. Quinn's story never felt forced to me (as "I was abused" stories often do), and I was happy that she wasn't tossed aside in the wake of Nick moving on.
So that's it. I just wanted to talk to the other fans about why this particular book resonated with me. Even if this wasn't the specific Merrick book to shoot to the top of your favorites list, I'm sure you might understand why we all have our reasons to find a Merrick book (or two) to love, even if we don't all agree on which one should be at the top.
This book provided from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2013
I cried. Enough said.
But really, when it comes to a Brigid Kemmerer novel there are never enough words. Because regardless of the plot, Kemmerer finds ways to make you read emotion instead of words, feelings instead of chapters. And before you know it, you're lost in the epic world of the Merrick brothers.
I loved Secret because it is truthful, real, and powerful. Hopeful and brave. Secret is intensely romantic and beautifully told. It's a story so raw with emotion that the entire novel feels a lot like a dance, and, in truth, it is. Secret follows Nick and Quinn, and we see different sides of them throughout. As with all the Merrick books, however, the entire cast is part of this epic dance, and I loved the interactions between Nick and his brothers.
Secret is about the dance between relationships and family, friends and lovers, and the beauty that comes from us all being a little bit different. It's a story that tells of the hardships that always result when we deal in assumptions. Mostly, Secret is a story about a boy and a girl trying to find their rhythm in a world that doesn't know them but wants to. A world of the Merrick brothers. Because when it comes to worlds and those little pieces of life that matter, Secret clues us in that family and friends are, in fact, our brave new worlds.
I needed this book to be written, and I promise you this: Brigid Kemmerer got Secret right.
But really, when it comes to a Brigid Kemmerer novel there are never enough words. Because regardless of the plot, Kemmerer finds ways to make you read emotion instead of words, feelings instead of chapters. And before you know it, you're lost in the epic world of the Merrick brothers.
I loved Secret because it is truthful, real, and powerful. Hopeful and brave. Secret is intensely romantic and beautifully told. It's a story so raw with emotion that the entire novel feels a lot like a dance, and, in truth, it is. Secret follows Nick and Quinn, and we see different sides of them throughout. As with all the Merrick books, however, the entire cast is part of this epic dance, and I loved the interactions between Nick and his brothers.
Secret is about the dance between relationships and family, friends and lovers, and the beauty that comes from us all being a little bit different. It's a story that tells of the hardships that always result when we deal in assumptions. Mostly, Secret is a story about a boy and a girl trying to find their rhythm in a world that doesn't know them but wants to. A world of the Merrick brothers. Because when it comes to worlds and those little pieces of life that matter, Secret clues us in that family and friends are, in fact, our brave new worlds.
I needed this book to be written, and I promise you this: Brigid Kemmerer got Secret right.
October 6, 2020
If you read Breathless, then you already know Nick's secret. If you haven't, then this review definitely contains some spoilers. You've been warned;)
Nick Merrick has a secret, a secret so big he lives in total fear that his brothers will find out what he is hiding. The stress is tying him in knots, while his potential boyfriend is making him come undone. It's a battle that unfurls into all out war, and it's a guessing game as to who will be left standing when the final page is turned.
I literally couldn't put this book down. The pace was terrific without feeling rushed, but also heightened enough during the fights that I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen.
Kemmerer deals with a sensitive issue in this fourth installment of The Elementals Series, and she handles it with sensitivity and dignity and in a way that the reader feels every emotion that Nick feels. Kemmerer portrays Nick's struggle so well and so realistically. I have read so many LGBT books where the character realizes he is gay and five pages later he is totally fine with it and is in a great relationship ten pages later. I hate those books. So unrealistic, but Nick's fear of coming out to his brothers is so real, so tangible. I could feel it in every page and every thought he had. And the tension doesn't stop when the secret comes out. I loved Michael's reaction and Chris??? OMG, if I knew how to insert GIFs, I'd have little bursting hearts all over this review. And when a reader feels an irrepressible urge to punch a fictional, nonexistent person in the face, you know that is some damn good writing. Kemmerer stays true to the characters her fans have come to know and love. Their strengths, weaknesses, triumphs, and failures are laid out for us to see from one chapter to the next.
But just because Nick's secret was revealed in Breathless, don't think that Secret doesn't have plenty of surprises and OH MY GOD moments. A complete jerk and an enemy of the Merricks becomes a well-rounded character who develops into someone the readers can relate to and sympathize with. One of the biggest surprises for me was Quinn. I confess I have never liked her. I thought she was an obnoxious, reactive drama queen and I hated that sweet Nick had started dating her. I have to admit, I am still not crazy about her, but after Secret I do have sympathy for her and the terrible abuse she has suffered from those who should love her the most.
Kemmerer once again takes characters that could be flat and forgettable and turns them into these amazing (fictional) people who tug our heartstrings and make our eyes leak, and she leaves plenty of questions for upcoming Elemental books (notice I used plural because I am hoping, praying, pleading that Michael's book is not the last in this fresh, original, excellent series).
Pre-order this book now and have the tissues handy! And if Nick's self-doubt and pain don't move you, go to a doctor and get your humanity checked. This is going to be on every Top 10 YA and paranormal must read list of 2014!
Nick Merrick has a secret, a secret so big he lives in total fear that his brothers will find out what he is hiding. The stress is tying him in knots, while his potential boyfriend is making him come undone. It's a battle that unfurls into all out war, and it's a guessing game as to who will be left standing when the final page is turned.
I literally couldn't put this book down. The pace was terrific without feeling rushed, but also heightened enough during the fights that I couldn't read fast enough to find out what was going to happen.
Kemmerer deals with a sensitive issue in this fourth installment of The Elementals Series, and she handles it with sensitivity and dignity and in a way that the reader feels every emotion that Nick feels. Kemmerer portrays Nick's struggle so well and so realistically. I have read so many LGBT books where the character realizes he is gay and five pages later he is totally fine with it and is in a great relationship ten pages later. I hate those books. So unrealistic, but Nick's fear of coming out to his brothers is so real, so tangible. I could feel it in every page and every thought he had. And the tension doesn't stop when the secret comes out. I loved Michael's reaction and Chris??? OMG, if I knew how to insert GIFs, I'd have little bursting hearts all over this review. And when a reader feels an irrepressible urge to punch a fictional, nonexistent person in the face, you know that is some damn good writing. Kemmerer stays true to the characters her fans have come to know and love. Their strengths, weaknesses, triumphs, and failures are laid out for us to see from one chapter to the next.
But just because Nick's secret was revealed in Breathless, don't think that Secret doesn't have plenty of surprises and OH MY GOD moments. A complete jerk and an enemy of the Merricks becomes a well-rounded character who develops into someone the readers can relate to and sympathize with. One of the biggest surprises for me was Quinn. I confess I have never liked her. I thought she was an obnoxious, reactive drama queen and I hated that sweet Nick had started dating her. I have to admit, I am still not crazy about her, but after Secret I do have sympathy for her and the terrible abuse she has suffered from those who should love her the most.
Kemmerer once again takes characters that could be flat and forgettable and turns them into these amazing (fictional) people who tug our heartstrings and make our eyes leak, and she leaves plenty of questions for upcoming Elemental books (notice I used plural because I am hoping, praying, pleading that Michael's book is not the last in this fresh, original, excellent series).
Pre-order this book now and have the tissues handy! And if Nick's self-doubt and pain don't move you, go to a doctor and get your humanity checked. This is going to be on every Top 10 YA and paranormal must read list of 2014!
Read
January 28, 2014Secret releases today! *cue flailing* Thank you all so much for the reviews, and the emails, and the tweets, and the messages. You all are so amazing. I'm so glad to be on this journey with you.
Secret is up on NetGalley, friends!
Here's the link: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
If you've been approved on NetGalley before and you don't get an approval, please let me know (email to brigidmary@gmail.com is best) and I'll see what I can do. (Ultimately, it's up to my publisher, but I'll do my best.)
Secret is up on NetGalley, friends!
Here's the link: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/sho...
If you've been approved on NetGalley before and you don't get an approval, please let me know (email to brigidmary@gmail.com is best) and I'll see what I can do. (Ultimately, it's up to my publisher, but I'll do my best.)
August 21, 2014
**Price drop to $2.99 at Amazon US, 8/20/14!**
Perfection! Perfection! Alert the presses!! This book is both Elemental AND !!!! My dreams have come true!!!!
I'll assume by now that you have read Breathless and know that Nick is . Again, I will claim that Brigid Kemmerer is a magical mindreader who knows just what I want to read. And boy did she deliver! "Secret" was serious YA perfection.
I loved the twist in this book of giving Quinn her own story within this story. It was amazing how the author wove the duel plots together in a way that fit like two puzzle pieces. Everything came together so seamlessly. I was riveted and read this book from midnight until I finished at 3:30 am. I didn't care at all about my lack of sleep because the story was so completely satisfying.
The author dealt with Nick in a way that showed incredibly sensitivity and realism. Each detail in both Nick's relationship with his love interest and his brothers was done in a way that was simultaneously tender and painful. Nick's journey to accept himself and share himself with others was full of strife and anxiety. I felt for Nick so completely. My heart ached for him and sang for him. Also Nick's struggle with sharing himself with Gabriel was very emotional for me. Nick's story is one that I won't soon forget.
I even grew to like Quinn, who often borders on belligerent. She is a hard girl to get to know and this book showed us why. SHOWED us, not TOLD us, another incredible skill of this author.
I felt like a happy, lazy cat at the end of this book. Though these Merrick boys have many difficult struggles ahead of them, I was so incredibly pleased by this book, so much so that it made my favorites list. Slam dunk, Brigid!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Perfection! Perfection! Alert the presses!! This book is both Elemental AND !!!! My dreams have come true!!!!
I'll assume by now that you have read Breathless and know that Nick is . Again, I will claim that Brigid Kemmerer is a magical mindreader who knows just what I want to read. And boy did she deliver! "Secret" was serious YA perfection.
I loved the twist in this book of giving Quinn her own story within this story. It was amazing how the author wove the duel plots together in a way that fit like two puzzle pieces. Everything came together so seamlessly. I was riveted and read this book from midnight until I finished at 3:30 am. I didn't care at all about my lack of sleep because the story was so completely satisfying.
The author dealt with Nick in a way that showed incredibly sensitivity and realism. Each detail in both Nick's relationship with his love interest and his brothers was done in a way that was simultaneously tender and painful. Nick's journey to accept himself and share himself with others was full of strife and anxiety. I felt for Nick so completely. My heart ached for him and sang for him. Also Nick's struggle with sharing himself with Gabriel was very emotional for me. Nick's story is one that I won't soon forget.
I even grew to like Quinn, who often borders on belligerent. She is a hard girl to get to know and this book showed us why. SHOWED us, not TOLD us, another incredible skill of this author.
I felt like a happy, lazy cat at the end of this book. Though these Merrick boys have many difficult struggles ahead of them, I was so incredibly pleased by this book, so much so that it made my favorites list. Slam dunk, Brigid!
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
August 13, 2016
Kate and I chat about the awesomeness of Nick & Adam's relationship, the huge disappointment of the cover, and the beauty of pulling off non-annoying text conversations in our review discussion:
http://www.themidnightgarden.net/2014...
3.5 stars A few quibbles (mostly in the form of Quinn), but still a very fun book overall! SO looking forward to Michael's book.
http://www.themidnightgarden.net/2014...
3.5 stars A few quibbles (mostly in the form of Quinn), but still a very fun book overall! SO looking forward to Michael's book.
Want to read
May 29, 2013Update: Ah, well it seems like the name has changed to Secret. Since I've read Breathless and know a bit more about Nick and his preferences, the title fits. (SO MAKE SURE YOU READ THE NOVELLA!!)
AND THERE'S A BLURB <3 I love Nick so much. *_* Nick Merrick <3 <3 Be mine.
---------------
It has a name!
Siege: A similar operation by a police or other force to compel the surrender of an armed person.
Oh well. Whatever that means... It's gonna be goooooood.
Who doesn't love Nick? Come on, we all fell for him in Storm and fell a bit harder in Spark, didn't we? Admit it. Nick is a wonderful character! I can't wait to get inside his head.
2014 is simply too long to wait for Nick Merrick! *Sigh* At least Spirit is out in a few months!
AND THERE'S A BLURB <3 I love Nick so much. *_* Nick Merrick <3 <3 Be mine.
---------------
It has a name!
Siege: A similar operation by a police or other force to compel the surrender of an armed person.
Oh well. Whatever that means... It's gonna be goooooood.
Who doesn't love Nick? Come on, we all fell for him in Storm and fell a bit harder in Spark, didn't we? Admit it. Nick is a wonderful character! I can't wait to get inside his head.
2014 is simply too long to wait for Nick Merrick! *Sigh* At least Spirit is out in a few months!
January 2, 2014
4.25 Big Beautiful Homoerotic Stars!
Spoilers!
So I read this over the Christmas break and it was definitely the most enjoyable read I've had in a while.
First off, I'd read and adored the entire Elemental series, so that's imperative.
Nick has always been my favorite. I like nice boys. Nick is a nice boy, and he's smart and considerate and thoughtful.
Now, when I read 'Breathless' and found out that Nick, my true love in this story, is gay, well, let me tell you... I celebrated.
M/M Romance is my one true love, so Brigid took the series in the exact perfect direction for me, and may I say, did not disappoint.
Now, I've read some M/M books by traditionally M/F authors and boy oh boy, some of them suck. Like, really suck. This book did not. It was will reserved, seemed like a true and believable M/M story without anything hokey or dumb, and truly made me love (most of) the characters.
Nick has a hard time coming to terms with his sexuality. He's grown up in a house of all men and a twin brother with the IQ of a broomstick constantly breathing down his next. The only time I've liked Gabriel was in his book and when I secretly was imagining homoerotic things with Gabriel and Hunter... so naturally when Gabriel's homophobic, simple-minded prejudice rears it's ugly head in Nick's book, I started to dislike him even more.
He doesn't have an easy time. He doesn't really have anyone to turn to because his brother's are all busy in their own lives and his best friend and twin, Gabriel, has his head stuck too far up his ass.
Adam is fantastic. I have a mini crush on Adam. Sweet, self-assured, dancer Adam. They're a perfect couple. And can I say that the scenes with the sexual between them were HOT, HOT, HOT! Like, seriously steamy for YA. It doesn't have to be full blown sex for me to enjoy it.
Here's why this story is 4.25 stars instead of 5 for me... because I enjoyed literally every part with our Elemental boys and Adam... Quinn. I used to like Quinn. Hell, in Breathless I liked her. I used to feel bad for her because Becca is kind of a bitch. But fuck, was she ever annoying in this book.
Trying to convince everyone that Quinn and Nick were a straight couple was painful. They did it in the dumbest ways possible.
Also her home life was something terrible. She had a druggie brother, a drunk mom, and still she kept living in this abusive situation. I know abuse is nothing to take lightly, but I felt like perhaps it was.
My biggest problem with this situation is that the only want Quinn can get out of this terrible home situation (or allows herself to) is because of Tyler. Tyler is the one she leans on, basically, and trusts, even against her best friends wishes. Oh but also Tyler was very rude to her and physically abusive in the beginning. I smell danger.
The reason this situation bothers me so much is that the lesson I'm reading is that if you (Quinn) have an abusive home life, you should wait for your Knight in Shining Armor to do something about it. She did not smarten up for herself and seek help, she needed Tyler to do it for her. I felt like perhaps this was the wrong message. I'd have preferred even if through his caring and support, she eventually realized she was worth more and confronted her mother/brother or went and told an authority figure on her own. I'd have been able to respect that lesson a bit more.
That being said, I thought everything else was perfect! I thought Nick's coming out to Michael was hilarious and awkward.
This was a FANTASTIC book! Definitely considered a success from an Elemental lover and avid M/M reader!
ARc courtesy of K Teen (Kensington Books) via Netgalley
---
Original Review:
Spoilers!
So I read this over the Christmas break and it was definitely the most enjoyable read I've had in a while.
First off, I'd read and adored the entire Elemental series, so that's imperative.
Nick has always been my favorite. I like nice boys. Nick is a nice boy, and he's smart and considerate and thoughtful.
Now, when I read 'Breathless' and found out that Nick, my true love in this story, is gay, well, let me tell you... I celebrated.
M/M Romance is my one true love, so Brigid took the series in the exact perfect direction for me, and may I say, did not disappoint.
Now, I've read some M/M books by traditionally M/F authors and boy oh boy, some of them suck. Like, really suck. This book did not. It was will reserved, seemed like a true and believable M/M story without anything hokey or dumb, and truly made me love (most of) the characters.
Nick has a hard time coming to terms with his sexuality. He's grown up in a house of all men and a twin brother with the IQ of a broomstick constantly breathing down his next. The only time I've liked Gabriel was in his book and when I secretly was imagining homoerotic things with Gabriel and Hunter... so naturally when Gabriel's homophobic, simple-minded prejudice rears it's ugly head in Nick's book, I started to dislike him even more.
He doesn't have an easy time. He doesn't really have anyone to turn to because his brother's are all busy in their own lives and his best friend and twin, Gabriel, has his head stuck too far up his ass.
Adam is fantastic. I have a mini crush on Adam. Sweet, self-assured, dancer Adam. They're a perfect couple. And can I say that the scenes with the sexual between them were HOT, HOT, HOT! Like, seriously steamy for YA. It doesn't have to be full blown sex for me to enjoy it.
Here's why this story is 4.25 stars instead of 5 for me... because I enjoyed literally every part with our Elemental boys and Adam... Quinn. I used to like Quinn. Hell, in Breathless I liked her. I used to feel bad for her because Becca is kind of a bitch. But fuck, was she ever annoying in this book.
Trying to convince everyone that Quinn and Nick were a straight couple was painful. They did it in the dumbest ways possible.
Also her home life was something terrible. She had a druggie brother, a drunk mom, and still she kept living in this abusive situation. I know abuse is nothing to take lightly, but I felt like perhaps it was.
My biggest problem with this situation is that the only want Quinn can get out of this terrible home situation (or allows herself to) is because of Tyler. Tyler is the one she leans on, basically, and trusts, even against her best friends wishes. Oh but also Tyler was very rude to her and physically abusive in the beginning. I smell danger.
The reason this situation bothers me so much is that the lesson I'm reading is that if you (Quinn) have an abusive home life, you should wait for your Knight in Shining Armor to do something about it. She did not smarten up for herself and seek help, she needed Tyler to do it for her. I felt like perhaps this was the wrong message. I'd have preferred even if through his caring and support, she eventually realized she was worth more and confronted her mother/brother or went and told an authority figure on her own. I'd have been able to respect that lesson a bit more.
That being said, I thought everything else was perfect! I thought Nick's coming out to Michael was hilarious and awkward.
This was a FANTASTIC book! Definitely considered a success from an Elemental lover and avid M/M reader!
ARc courtesy of K Teen (Kensington Books) via Netgalley
---
Original Review:
January 22, 2014
See more reviews at YA Midnight Reads
3.5 stars
Don't let my rating sway you. Secret, the fourth instalment to the Elemental series was another brilliant read; however there are a few quibbles here and there that I have discovered in hindsight. Perhaps I'm being too picky? But I can't seem to lower my expectations on a Kemmerer book no matter how hard I try—most likely because I know how fantastically well she can write—especially after Spirit—and as for Secret in my opinion, this book could've been so much better.
We've read about three of our Elemental boys so far: Chris, Gabriel and Hunter. We've all fallen in love with them and I know you all secretly (or not so secretly) want a Merrick guy or a Hunter Garrity. And now in Kemmerer's latest, we fall in love with Nick even more. (Because we all totally loved him way earlier on in this series--even after finding out he's gay and no female can truly have him. He is still an endearing character nevertheless.) Unlike other books in the series, where the books follow one Elemental however still have the others as sub-main characters, Secret focuses solely on just Nick and his development as a character. We don’t have much heart-racing action or badass-ery-ness. Sure, there still is some, but to a much muted point compared to Kemmerer’s previous instalments. I guess this is where my first complaint kicked in. I went into Secret expecting what I expect from this series; a whole heap of action. (And romance—though I did get that.) But I didn’t exactly get that. Maybe this is an “it’s me not you” situation.
Regardless of the lack of action and plot movement, Secret was still a captivating read. Nick’s character was no disappointment. I loved how Brigid Kemmerer handled Nick’s struggle of opening up to himself and his feelings. That it was okay to be gay. His confusion and constant fear that he’d be mocked was realistic and I was rooting for him the whole time. He wants to tell his brothers—Gabriel in particular about him but he’s afraid of what they’ll think. Nick’s always been the one that’s there to help his brothers whenever they ask. Nick’s the one that cares about school and his work. But with everything going on, he may not be able to keep it all together for much longer.
Other than Nick’s POV, we also have Quinn’s POV—Becca’s best friend. I honestly wanted to like this chick. Her family has practically torn apart, her brother hates her and her mother is literally a crazy nut-case. She even threw a knife at Quinn once. The poor girl. All the people who were meant to love her didn’t. And you know what? I. Don’t. Care. This girl has got to be the most annoying character in the Elemental cast. She gets mad at Becca because she didn’t tell her anything about who the Merricks and Hunter truly were even though it wasn’t Becca’s secret to tell. And when Quinn finds out that Becca nearly died and got raped? Quinn only got madder. NO. JUST. NO. Stuff you. Oh and she ends up finding her own love interest—Tyler. WHAAAAT. Even though Nick warned her and told her the things that he did, Quinn still goes to him. Like who in their right mind? Stupid and selfish.
Although Secret let me down in the plot and action (and one of the characters), Nick’s storyline still made an intriguing read. Oh and did I mention the romance Nick has? It. Is. AWESOME.
3.5 stars
Don't let my rating sway you. Secret, the fourth instalment to the Elemental series was another brilliant read; however there are a few quibbles here and there that I have discovered in hindsight. Perhaps I'm being too picky? But I can't seem to lower my expectations on a Kemmerer book no matter how hard I try—most likely because I know how fantastically well she can write—especially after Spirit—and as for Secret in my opinion, this book could've been so much better.
We've read about three of our Elemental boys so far: Chris, Gabriel and Hunter. We've all fallen in love with them and I know you all secretly (or not so secretly) want a Merrick guy or a Hunter Garrity. And now in Kemmerer's latest, we fall in love with Nick even more. (Because we all totally loved him way earlier on in this series--even after finding out he's gay and no female can truly have him. He is still an endearing character nevertheless.) Unlike other books in the series, where the books follow one Elemental however still have the others as sub-main characters, Secret focuses solely on just Nick and his development as a character. We don’t have much heart-racing action or badass-ery-ness. Sure, there still is some, but to a much muted point compared to Kemmerer’s previous instalments. I guess this is where my first complaint kicked in. I went into Secret expecting what I expect from this series; a whole heap of action. (And romance—though I did get that.) But I didn’t exactly get that. Maybe this is an “it’s me not you” situation.
Regardless of the lack of action and plot movement, Secret was still a captivating read. Nick’s character was no disappointment. I loved how Brigid Kemmerer handled Nick’s struggle of opening up to himself and his feelings. That it was okay to be gay. His confusion and constant fear that he’d be mocked was realistic and I was rooting for him the whole time. He wants to tell his brothers—Gabriel in particular about him but he’s afraid of what they’ll think. Nick’s always been the one that’s there to help his brothers whenever they ask. Nick’s the one that cares about school and his work. But with everything going on, he may not be able to keep it all together for much longer.
Other than Nick’s POV, we also have Quinn’s POV—Becca’s best friend. I honestly wanted to like this chick. Her family has practically torn apart, her brother hates her and her mother is literally a crazy nut-case. She even threw a knife at Quinn once. The poor girl. All the people who were meant to love her didn’t. And you know what? I. Don’t. Care. This girl has got to be the most annoying character in the Elemental cast. She gets mad at Becca because she didn’t tell her anything about who the Merricks and Hunter truly were even though it wasn’t Becca’s secret to tell. And when Quinn finds out that Becca nearly died and got raped? Quinn only got madder. NO. JUST. NO. Stuff you. Oh and she ends up finding her own love interest—Tyler. WHAAAAT. Even though Nick warned her and told her the things that he did, Quinn still goes to him. Like who in their right mind? Stupid and selfish.
Although Secret let me down in the plot and action (and one of the characters), Nick’s storyline still made an intriguing read. Oh and did I mention the romance Nick has? It. Is. AWESOME.
~Thank you Allen and Unwin Australia for sending me this copy!~
January 28, 2014
5 Stars...The tumultuous romance! Brigid Kemmerer’s stirring delivery! Loved it!
Nick Merrick is the brains to his identical twin Gabriel’s brawn. He’s a considerate Air Elemental. Gabriel’s a rash Fire Elemental. The part of peacemaker has long been Nick’s role in the targeted family. With the help of a friend, he hides a significant truth concerning his identity. How his family will react remains uncertain. Guides are hunting the Pure Elemental Merrick Family. The girl who learns Nick’s secret has dangerous secrets of her own.
A young handsome dancer unleashes the closeted part of Nick that he’s long suspected. Joy, fear, passion, and insecurity wind tightly inside. College means leaving his family behind. Hiding his boyfriend could mean losing something special. Coming out to his brothers may cost him his best friend, yet none if this may matter if the Elemental Guides finally succeed in killing the Merricks.
Never have I met a young adult character who felt so real! It’s obvious Ms. Kemmerer researched above and beyond the call of duty in preparing for a this paranormal teen romance. Nick’s “coming out’ of the closet ran a gamut of emotions. (He’s so torn!) The tone was never too serious, containing cleverly amusing dialogue between Nick and Adam. I was absolutely consumed by the story’s refreshingly honest and remarkably passionate telling.
Oh, how safe and responsible Nick Merrick yearned! His emotions can be recognized by anyone who ever felt a charged attraction to someone. For the first time in his life he felt. Everything clicked into place for him and he was deeply afraid. His inner turmoil was heartfelt! The emotions in Secret, from passion to fear - hummed across my ereader’s screen. The whole story buzzed with chemistry and turmoil. This book was alive!
Then there was Quinn! (She’s the character who’s also on the book cover.) Her character has been present since the first Elementals book. She’s selfish, moody, and troubled. Quinn may be oft-putting to some fans but she’s the emotional basket case, diva, or drama queen some readers may recall from high school. Basically, she’s a mess…for a very good reason. Quinn’s thorns maintain their presence throughout the story. They are expected under the circumstances and consistent with her experiences. Once her story was revealed it provided the ‘aha’ moment, explaining her self-destructive behaviors. With the help of an unexpected friendship (and what a surprising turn of events it turned out to be), Quinn may be on the right path to overcome her troubles. I do hope see more of Quinn and her potentially redeemable shady friend.
The Merricks and their relationships dominated the story, but the ongoing story arc between Pure Elementals and the Elemental Guides had a little bit of show time. Hopefully, there is more to come beyond Michael Merrick's upcoming book. All I can say in conclusion to reading Secret is... I am awed, Ms. Kemmerer!
ARC courtesy of K Teen (Kensington Books) via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Nick Merrick is the brains to his identical twin Gabriel’s brawn. He’s a considerate Air Elemental. Gabriel’s a rash Fire Elemental. The part of peacemaker has long been Nick’s role in the targeted family. With the help of a friend, he hides a significant truth concerning his identity. How his family will react remains uncertain. Guides are hunting the Pure Elemental Merrick Family. The girl who learns Nick’s secret has dangerous secrets of her own.
A young handsome dancer unleashes the closeted part of Nick that he’s long suspected. Joy, fear, passion, and insecurity wind tightly inside. College means leaving his family behind. Hiding his boyfriend could mean losing something special. Coming out to his brothers may cost him his best friend, yet none if this may matter if the Elemental Guides finally succeed in killing the Merricks.
”You’re tearing me apart!” – Rebel Without a Cause
Never have I met a young adult character who felt so real! It’s obvious Ms. Kemmerer researched above and beyond the call of duty in preparing for a this paranormal teen romance. Nick’s “coming out’ of the closet ran a gamut of emotions. (He’s so torn!) The tone was never too serious, containing cleverly amusing dialogue between Nick and Adam. I was absolutely consumed by the story’s refreshingly honest and remarkably passionate telling.
Oh, how safe and responsible Nick Merrick yearned! His emotions can be recognized by anyone who ever felt a charged attraction to someone. For the first time in his life he felt. Everything clicked into place for him and he was deeply afraid. His inner turmoil was heartfelt! The emotions in Secret, from passion to fear - hummed across my ereader’s screen. The whole story buzzed with chemistry and turmoil. This book was alive!
Then there was Quinn! (She’s the character who’s also on the book cover.) Her character has been present since the first Elementals book. She’s selfish, moody, and troubled. Quinn may be oft-putting to some fans but she’s the emotional basket case, diva, or drama queen some readers may recall from high school. Basically, she’s a mess…for a very good reason. Quinn’s thorns maintain their presence throughout the story. They are expected under the circumstances and consistent with her experiences. Once her story was revealed it provided the ‘aha’ moment, explaining her self-destructive behaviors. With the help of an unexpected friendship (and what a surprising turn of events it turned out to be), Quinn may be on the right path to overcome her troubles. I do hope see more of Quinn and her potentially redeemable shady friend.
The Merricks and their relationships dominated the story, but the ongoing story arc between Pure Elementals and the Elemental Guides had a little bit of show time. Hopefully, there is more to come beyond Michael Merrick's upcoming book. All I can say in conclusion to reading Secret is... I am awed, Ms. Kemmerer!
ARC courtesy of K Teen (Kensington Books) via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2014
4.5 stars
It’s been a very long time since I finished a book in one sitting (a couple of hours, really) not daring to blink or look away lest I miss something important. Brigid Kemmerer hit it out of the ballpark once again. Secret is, I dare say, her best Elemental book so far. The sensitivity and subtlety she showed with Nick launched her from an author whose books I enjoy to someone I admire and deeply respect.
Unlike Hunter’s book (and Gabriel’s for that matter), Secret has very little action and a whole lot of contemplation. Nick is in such a difficult situation, forced to hide his true self from everyone, including his twin brother, convinced that they’d never accept and love him if they knew who he really was. Nick’s struggles were done so beautifully and realistically, his pain poured out of every page, his insecurities and fears a burden on the reader’s shoulders. Nick’s reluctance to open up was incredibly frustrating, since not knowing the outcome made his suffering so much worse. At times, even being rejected by everyone seemed better than pretending, but it was clear that Nick needed to reach his breaking point first… and reach it he did.
Also unlike the previous books, the other Merricks get very little attention. There was always one Merrick boy (or Hunter) at the center of each book, but in Secret, everything was about Nick and only Michael played a more significant part. I attribute this to the fact that Nick is such an overwhelmingly troubled character, but also a strong presence that simply takes over every scene, his mild manners notwithstanding.
In addition to Nick’s story, we see everything that goes on in Quinn’s house, especially now that her older brother is back in town. Against all odds, Quinn finds a love interest of her own, and in the most unlikely of places. It was hard for me to like Quinn, her prickly nature making it almost impossible, but I was fully aware of how complex she was and how her reactions always made sense. While I felt Nick’s pain and even suffered along with him, it was through Quinn that I saw Kemmerer’s superior understanding of human nature. Please allow me this small comparison – I always complain that something is missing from Katie McGarry’s books. Her characters never seem real because their reactions are textbook perfect. Whatever she’s missing, Kemmerer has it in spades. Her characters are nuanced, deeply flawed and, most importantly, entirely believable.
While reading Breathless, the prequel novella also told from Nick’s perspective, isn’t strictly necessary, I strongly recommend it for those who wish to fully enjoy Nick’s (and Quinn’s) story. It will give you a great idea of what to expect and show you a side of Nick you’ve never seen before.
It’s been a very long time since I finished a book in one sitting (a couple of hours, really) not daring to blink or look away lest I miss something important. Brigid Kemmerer hit it out of the ballpark once again. Secret is, I dare say, her best Elemental book so far. The sensitivity and subtlety she showed with Nick launched her from an author whose books I enjoy to someone I admire and deeply respect.
Unlike Hunter’s book (and Gabriel’s for that matter), Secret has very little action and a whole lot of contemplation. Nick is in such a difficult situation, forced to hide his true self from everyone, including his twin brother, convinced that they’d never accept and love him if they knew who he really was. Nick’s struggles were done so beautifully and realistically, his pain poured out of every page, his insecurities and fears a burden on the reader’s shoulders. Nick’s reluctance to open up was incredibly frustrating, since not knowing the outcome made his suffering so much worse. At times, even being rejected by everyone seemed better than pretending, but it was clear that Nick needed to reach his breaking point first… and reach it he did.
Also unlike the previous books, the other Merricks get very little attention. There was always one Merrick boy (or Hunter) at the center of each book, but in Secret, everything was about Nick and only Michael played a more significant part. I attribute this to the fact that Nick is such an overwhelmingly troubled character, but also a strong presence that simply takes over every scene, his mild manners notwithstanding.
In addition to Nick’s story, we see everything that goes on in Quinn’s house, especially now that her older brother is back in town. Against all odds, Quinn finds a love interest of her own, and in the most unlikely of places. It was hard for me to like Quinn, her prickly nature making it almost impossible, but I was fully aware of how complex she was and how her reactions always made sense. While I felt Nick’s pain and even suffered along with him, it was through Quinn that I saw Kemmerer’s superior understanding of human nature. Please allow me this small comparison – I always complain that something is missing from Katie McGarry’s books. Her characters never seem real because their reactions are textbook perfect. Whatever she’s missing, Kemmerer has it in spades. Her characters are nuanced, deeply flawed and, most importantly, entirely believable.
While reading Breathless, the prequel novella also told from Nick’s perspective, isn’t strictly necessary, I strongly recommend it for those who wish to fully enjoy Nick’s (and Quinn’s) story. It will give you a great idea of what to expect and show you a side of Nick you’ve never seen before.
December 31, 2015
This review was posted on my blog:
http://thereadingkitten.blogspot.nl/2...
*Possible spoilers for the previous books in the series!*
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Teen for providing me with an e-copy for review!
I feel like I've only been writing omg-I-loved-this-book-so-much reviews lately, but I've just been reading so many amazing books lately... Four five-star reviews in a row! I don't think that's ever happened before. But I'm not complaining. At all.
I did a little happy dance when I got Secret from Netgalley. I've been excited for this book to come out ever since I read Nick's novella Breathless. That's when I fell in love with Adam... and I'm even more in love with him now. Even thinking about this book makes me all giggly. Nick and Adam are just so adorable. Cutest couple ever.
Secret follows two main characters who each have their own point of view in the book. First we have Nick, the "nice one" of the two twin brothers. And then we have Quinn, Becca's best friend from Storm. If you've read Breathless, you know that Quinn caught Nick kissing Adam and that, since then, they have a fake relationship. She's helping Nick to keep up appearances of being straight while he tries to figure out what exactly he wants to do with his feelings for Adam. And it's pretty obvious what he wants - he just doesn't want to deal with his family knowing about it. He's afraid it will disappoint them.
Meanwhile, Quinn has to deal with a really bad home situation. Her mom is a drunk, her brother is doing drugs in her room and beating her up... She's afraid to even sleep in her own house because of it. Quinn's friends do know that her home situation isn't the best, but she's never told them how bad is really is. She thinks they wouldn't believe her or would think she's exaggerating. Then she meets a guy, who does seem to understand her - Tyler. I thought this was very unexpected, because we've kind of learned to hate him in the previous books. He and his friends have done all sorts of bad things to the guys and Becca, so he's not exactly the most likeable character in the series. However, in the way he's treating Quinn we get to see this other side of him that I really liked. It shows that not everything is as black and white as it sometimes seems. As Michael said wisely: "We see the dark side of Tyler because that's all he lets us see."
Secret was quite focused on the relationships between all the characters and their 'every-day' problems. The paranormal crazyness doesn't start until the last quarter-or-so of the book. I didn't mind, because I really enjoyed the more 'contemporary' feel that the book has in the beginning. But when the action really started, I absolutely loved that part as well. Of course the elemental stuff is never really gone, since Nick, an air elemental, is one of the main characters and as they say in the book: "Air is everywhere."
What I also loved in this book was the dialogue. It made me laugh out loud more than a few times and some scenes even made me tear up a little. And that's just what I like in books: for them to make me feel things and to really be invested in the characters and their story.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book and the whole series, basically. These books are just so much fun to read and they're really well-written as well. Not everyone might be a fan of the gay romance thing in Secret, but well... I personally really enjoyed it and I'm really happy Brigid decided to write the story this way. Just give it a try and I'm sure you'll like it just as much as I did!
http://thereadingkitten.blogspot.nl/2...
*Possible spoilers for the previous books in the series!*
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Teen for providing me with an e-copy for review!
I feel like I've only been writing omg-I-loved-this-book-so-much reviews lately, but I've just been reading so many amazing books lately... Four five-star reviews in a row! I don't think that's ever happened before. But I'm not complaining. At all.
I did a little happy dance when I got Secret from Netgalley. I've been excited for this book to come out ever since I read Nick's novella Breathless. That's when I fell in love with Adam... and I'm even more in love with him now. Even thinking about this book makes me all giggly. Nick and Adam are just so adorable. Cutest couple ever.
Secret follows two main characters who each have their own point of view in the book. First we have Nick, the "nice one" of the two twin brothers. And then we have Quinn, Becca's best friend from Storm. If you've read Breathless, you know that Quinn caught Nick kissing Adam and that, since then, they have a fake relationship. She's helping Nick to keep up appearances of being straight while he tries to figure out what exactly he wants to do with his feelings for Adam. And it's pretty obvious what he wants - he just doesn't want to deal with his family knowing about it. He's afraid it will disappoint them.
Meanwhile, Quinn has to deal with a really bad home situation. Her mom is a drunk, her brother is doing drugs in her room and beating her up... She's afraid to even sleep in her own house because of it. Quinn's friends do know that her home situation isn't the best, but she's never told them how bad is really is. She thinks they wouldn't believe her or would think she's exaggerating. Then she meets a guy, who does seem to understand her - Tyler. I thought this was very unexpected, because we've kind of learned to hate him in the previous books. He and his friends have done all sorts of bad things to the guys and Becca, so he's not exactly the most likeable character in the series. However, in the way he's treating Quinn we get to see this other side of him that I really liked. It shows that not everything is as black and white as it sometimes seems. As Michael said wisely: "We see the dark side of Tyler because that's all he lets us see."
Secret was quite focused on the relationships between all the characters and their 'every-day' problems. The paranormal crazyness doesn't start until the last quarter-or-so of the book. I didn't mind, because I really enjoyed the more 'contemporary' feel that the book has in the beginning. But when the action really started, I absolutely loved that part as well. Of course the elemental stuff is never really gone, since Nick, an air elemental, is one of the main characters and as they say in the book: "Air is everywhere."
What I also loved in this book was the dialogue. It made me laugh out loud more than a few times and some scenes even made me tear up a little. And that's just what I like in books: for them to make me feel things and to really be invested in the characters and their story.
Overall I would definitely recommend this book and the whole series, basically. These books are just so much fun to read and they're really well-written as well. Not everyone might be a fan of the gay romance thing in Secret, but well... I personally really enjoyed it and I'm really happy Brigid decided to write the story this way. Just give it a try and I'm sure you'll like it just as much as I did!
January 14, 2014
Want to see my full review? Check out my and Rashika's DISCUSSION POST of Secret here!
4 STARS. AFTER ALL THE RANTING I DID, I AM GIVING IT FOUR FUCKING STARS.
* Nick and Adam were swooon. They made me giggle like a high school girl full of refined sugar.
* I loved the suspense and action. They kept me at the edge of my seat. Why is Kemmerer so talented and I'm not?? T.T
* I loved the drama, even though it drove me batshit insane sometimes. I didn't like Quinn, and I still don't like her, but her character development was better than the others. STILL - THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE YOU HONEY AND IT TOOK ME A LONG ASS TIME TO EVEN LIKE YOU FOR A FRACTION.
* I loved how diverse the personalities of the characters were.
* And that ending... it makes me want to read the fifth book... NOW.
What I did not like?
* I wish we were inside the antagonists' heads even longer. I mean all we had was one measly chapter at the beginning. The Guides' showing up near the end felt... anti-climactic.
* Tyler. FUCKING TYLER. BOOK KEPT TRYING TO SHOVE TO MY FACE HOW HE'S ACTUALLY A GOOD GUY, THAT HE'S ONLY MISGUIDED AND ONLY DID WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF HIM. Book, you can kneel and kiss my feet but my opinion of that chickenshit won't change. He's a maniac, someone who willingly tried to kill other people, who beat up people younger than him, all because, what? No, don't tell me, because that's not important. HE HAS NO EXCUSE FOR THE THINGS HE DID AND JUST BECAUSE WE FIND OUT A LITTLE ABOUT HIM NOW DOESN'T MEAN ALL HIS ACTS WERE REDEEMED. Not in my eyes, anyway. If he's going to keep on reappearing in the next books, I will pretend he does not exist.
* And Quinn... man, she emotionally exhausted me.
4 STARS. AFTER ALL THE RANTING I DID, I AM GIVING IT FOUR FUCKING STARS.
* Nick and Adam were swooon. They made me giggle like a high school girl full of refined sugar.
* I loved the suspense and action. They kept me at the edge of my seat. Why is Kemmerer so talented and I'm not?? T.T
* I loved the drama, even though it drove me batshit insane sometimes. I didn't like Quinn, and I still don't like her, but her character development was better than the others. STILL - THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE YOU HONEY AND IT TOOK ME A LONG ASS TIME TO EVEN LIKE YOU FOR A FRACTION.
* I loved how diverse the personalities of the characters were.
* And that ending... it makes me want to read the fifth book... NOW.
What I did not like?
* I wish we were inside the antagonists' heads even longer. I mean all we had was one measly chapter at the beginning. The Guides' showing up near the end felt... anti-climactic.
* Tyler. FUCKING TYLER. BOOK KEPT TRYING TO SHOVE TO MY FACE HOW HE'S ACTUALLY A GOOD GUY, THAT HE'S ONLY MISGUIDED AND ONLY DID WHAT WAS EXPECTED OF HIM. Book, you can kneel and kiss my feet but my opinion of that chickenshit won't change. He's a maniac, someone who willingly tried to kill other people, who beat up people younger than him, all because, what? No, don't tell me, because that's not important. HE HAS NO EXCUSE FOR THE THINGS HE DID AND JUST BECAUSE WE FIND OUT A LITTLE ABOUT HIM NOW DOESN'T MEAN ALL HIS ACTS WERE REDEEMED. Not in my eyes, anyway. If he's going to keep on reappearing in the next books, I will pretend he does not exist.
* And Quinn... man, she emotionally exhausted me.
March 3, 2020
Oh man, even knowing what happens this time around I still found myself gasping out loud at that ending! My original review for this book covers pretty much everything and it still holds up almost 6 years later (yay!). So instead of writing a brand new review, I'm just going to touch on a few things that still stood out to me.
Nick Merrick must be protected at all costs. He's just so scared in this entire book - scared of his future, scared of his feelings, scared for his family - that you just can just drown in emotions. And the fact that him and Gabriel are apart for most of the book doesn't help any of these feelings. Meanwhile, Gabriel is lashing out at Nick because he can feel his twin pulling away.
I'm also still not a fan of how Quinn handles the situations around her. Her anger towards Becca is unfounded especially since Quinn has been lying to everyone herself. I felt bad for her home life but at the same time, she pushed everyone around her away because they couldn't guess her secrets. I'm happy that she had Tyler to not take her shit.
However, my absolute favorite thing about this series is how Kemmerer showcases the Merrick family. This is a family who has had horrible things happen to them and still does, but yet they support and love each other unconditionally that it just warms my heart. Now on to the final book.
Original Review from 2014
It’s not a secret how much I LOVE this series. These boys, these are my boys. All of them (including Hunter). When I received an ARC of Secret, I may or may not have danced around my kitchen clutching the book to my chest. Think Kristen Bell and the sloth excited.
Yes, I was that excited.
Secret is Nick Merrick’s story. Nick is an Air Elemental, he’s the responsible one, always does the right thing…but he’s hiding a secret that is starting to destroy him from the inside. He enlists the help of Quinn to keep up his façade but even that begins to crumble quickly as Quinn is dealing with her own troubles.
What I adore about these books is the relationships and bonds between the brothers and Hunter. I look forward to their interactions more than anything and I love seeing how they grow from book to book. Nick and Gabe have always held a special interest because of the fact that they’re twins and feel almost everything that the other is feeling. They can sense when the other is in danger, etc. However, Nick is terrified to reveal to Gabe his true self.
Gabriel knew how to cut to the quick, and this felt so fragile and untested that Nick was afraid to bare skin in the face of that blade.
What’s worse is that Gabriel knows that Nick is hiding something. From past books we know that Gabe doesn’t always handle things correctly and the brothers come to blows here in a scene that just rips out my heart. I don’t like it when my boys fight with each other.
Each book also has to have the female counterpart, and in Secret, that’s Quinn. Let me just start off by saying that Quinn is broken. So utterly and completely broken. There’s a line early on that describes her life perfectly:
It seemed fitting that the best relationship in her life would be just as dysfunctional as all her other ones.
Basically, every relationship Quinn has is a lie. She’s Nick’s fake girlfriend. She’s not talking to her best friend, Becca. Her mother is abusive and her brother is a druggie. In the beginning, I felt for her. Her situation is messed up. But as the book progressed, I really wanted her to grow up. She becomes this petulant child who pouts and moans about every little thing being unfair. She complains how nobody knows what she’s dealing with and they don’t care, but she never tells them anything. How are they supposed to know??? And her constant fishing for compliments was annoying. Honestly, she’s the reason why this book wasn’t 5 stars.
There are two additional characters added in this book: Adam (Quinn’s dance partner) and Tyler (who we’ve met in other books). They were both brilliant additions. Adam was gentle and kind, and balanced out Nick’s neurosis perfectly. Their relationship was a slow burn, but extremely worth it in the end. Nick’s confusion about what was going on was so real that you couldn’t help but root for them to make it.
And then there’s Tyler. Tyler who we know from other books as always trying to hurt/kill the Merricks because of their pasts. Kemmerer really delved into his character and as we got to know more about him, I began to actually like him. Yeah, I know. I was shocked too. He was still a dick to the Merrick’s but I loved the way he dealt with Quinn. He called her out on her bullshit and made her face reality.
Aside from all the drama in their everyday lives, there’s also the issue of the Guides. And believe me, they aren’t forgotten here. This ending had to be the most nail-biting, suspenseful and heartbreaking one yet. Not gonna lie, I legit screamed at one point. I cannot wait to see where Kemmerer takes it next, but I know that I won’t be disappointed.
Brilliant.
I received a copy of this book via the publisher in return for an honest review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
Nick Merrick must be protected at all costs. He's just so scared in this entire book - scared of his future, scared of his feelings, scared for his family - that you just can just drown in emotions. And the fact that him and Gabriel are apart for most of the book doesn't help any of these feelings. Meanwhile, Gabriel is lashing out at Nick because he can feel his twin pulling away.
I'm also still not a fan of how Quinn handles the situations around her. Her anger towards Becca is unfounded especially since Quinn has been lying to everyone herself. I felt bad for her home life but at the same time, she pushed everyone around her away because they couldn't guess her secrets. I'm happy that she had Tyler to not take her shit.
However, my absolute favorite thing about this series is how Kemmerer showcases the Merrick family. This is a family who has had horrible things happen to them and still does, but yet they support and love each other unconditionally that it just warms my heart. Now on to the final book.
Original Review from 2014
It’s not a secret how much I LOVE this series. These boys, these are my boys. All of them (including Hunter). When I received an ARC of Secret, I may or may not have danced around my kitchen clutching the book to my chest. Think Kristen Bell and the sloth excited.
Yes, I was that excited.
Secret is Nick Merrick’s story. Nick is an Air Elemental, he’s the responsible one, always does the right thing…but he’s hiding a secret that is starting to destroy him from the inside. He enlists the help of Quinn to keep up his façade but even that begins to crumble quickly as Quinn is dealing with her own troubles.
What I adore about these books is the relationships and bonds between the brothers and Hunter. I look forward to their interactions more than anything and I love seeing how they grow from book to book. Nick and Gabe have always held a special interest because of the fact that they’re twins and feel almost everything that the other is feeling. They can sense when the other is in danger, etc. However, Nick is terrified to reveal to Gabe his true self.
Gabriel knew how to cut to the quick, and this felt so fragile and untested that Nick was afraid to bare skin in the face of that blade.
What’s worse is that Gabriel knows that Nick is hiding something. From past books we know that Gabe doesn’t always handle things correctly and the brothers come to blows here in a scene that just rips out my heart. I don’t like it when my boys fight with each other.
Each book also has to have the female counterpart, and in Secret, that’s Quinn. Let me just start off by saying that Quinn is broken. So utterly and completely broken. There’s a line early on that describes her life perfectly:
It seemed fitting that the best relationship in her life would be just as dysfunctional as all her other ones.
Basically, every relationship Quinn has is a lie. She’s Nick’s fake girlfriend. She’s not talking to her best friend, Becca. Her mother is abusive and her brother is a druggie. In the beginning, I felt for her. Her situation is messed up. But as the book progressed, I really wanted her to grow up. She becomes this petulant child who pouts and moans about every little thing being unfair. She complains how nobody knows what she’s dealing with and they don’t care, but she never tells them anything. How are they supposed to know??? And her constant fishing for compliments was annoying. Honestly, she’s the reason why this book wasn’t 5 stars.
There are two additional characters added in this book: Adam (Quinn’s dance partner) and Tyler (who we’ve met in other books). They were both brilliant additions. Adam was gentle and kind, and balanced out Nick’s neurosis perfectly. Their relationship was a slow burn, but extremely worth it in the end. Nick’s confusion about what was going on was so real that you couldn’t help but root for them to make it.
And then there’s Tyler. Tyler who we know from other books as always trying to hurt/kill the Merricks because of their pasts. Kemmerer really delved into his character and as we got to know more about him, I began to actually like him. Yeah, I know. I was shocked too. He was still a dick to the Merrick’s but I loved the way he dealt with Quinn. He called her out on her bullshit and made her face reality.
Aside from all the drama in their everyday lives, there’s also the issue of the Guides. And believe me, they aren’t forgotten here. This ending had to be the most nail-biting, suspenseful and heartbreaking one yet. Not gonna lie, I legit screamed at one point. I cannot wait to see where Kemmerer takes it next, but I know that I won’t be disappointed.
Brilliant.
I received a copy of this book via the publisher in return for an honest review.
This review can also be seen here on my blog.
May 17, 2015
The moment I decided to read the book I knew it was the right thing to do. 5 out of 5 stars without hesitation!
So Nick has a secret and he's afraid to tell his brothers or the world. It's not that he is ashamed but he is scared of how they will react. Will they throw him out of the house? Will the beat him up? Will they simply accept him? Will they continue to love him the same? In my opinion he should have told them but I understand why he didn't. Being the gay brother among 4 it's not the easiest thing in the world. I seriously love how this book tries to send us a message against bullying and abuse.
Quinn also has some issues with her crack addict brother and her drunk mother. They both abuse her and yet she loves them. She refuses to ask for help because she is afraid of being sent away and her lack of self-esteem makes things worse. She feels like she has to "pay" for help and that's not what friends do. Nick and Quinn try to keep each other's secrets but when these secrets become complicated and too many to handle their friendship is tested.
Nick's problems grow bigger when he meets Adam and when Quinn starts hanging out with his enemy, Tyler. But Tyler is not what he really seems to be and he helps Quinn. I actually got to like him even though I didn't forgive the things he did in the past but I let it go. Tyler also has a secret and it's a really messed up one; I was not expecting this.
I am not going to talk about the writing style anymore. I've said in past reviews how much I love it. I am only going to say how much I enjoyed the character development. I was introduced to an imature, broken family with trust issues and too much hate. Now I am here with the same family, stronger than ever. All four brothers know the actual meaning of love and trust but sometimes they tend to forget. They know they need each other in order to live because that's what family is for.
So this book and the series in general is all about family, friendship, love and survival. I fail to see a better combination that leads to greatness.
So Nick has a secret and he's afraid to tell his brothers or the world. It's not that he is ashamed but he is scared of how they will react. Will they throw him out of the house? Will the beat him up? Will they simply accept him? Will they continue to love him the same? In my opinion he should have told them but I understand why he didn't. Being the gay brother among 4 it's not the easiest thing in the world. I seriously love how this book tries to send us a message against bullying and abuse.
Quinn also has some issues with her crack addict brother and her drunk mother. They both abuse her and yet she loves them. She refuses to ask for help because she is afraid of being sent away and her lack of self-esteem makes things worse. She feels like she has to "pay" for help and that's not what friends do. Nick and Quinn try to keep each other's secrets but when these secrets become complicated and too many to handle their friendship is tested.
Nick's problems grow bigger when he meets Adam and when Quinn starts hanging out with his enemy, Tyler. But Tyler is not what he really seems to be and he helps Quinn. I actually got to like him even though I didn't forgive the things he did in the past but I let it go. Tyler also has a secret and it's a really messed up one; I was not expecting this.
I am not going to talk about the writing style anymore. I've said in past reviews how much I love it. I am only going to say how much I enjoyed the character development. I was introduced to an imature, broken family with trust issues and too much hate. Now I am here with the same family, stronger than ever. All four brothers know the actual meaning of love and trust but sometimes they tend to forget. They know they need each other in order to live because that's what family is for.
So this book and the series in general is all about family, friendship, love and survival. I fail to see a better combination that leads to greatness.
July 12, 2016
SPOILERS AHEAD UNLESS YOU'VE READ BREATHLESS
3.5 STARS
Almost. This almost dethroned Spark as my favorite book in the Elemental series.
(You! Yes you! Stop snickering over the cover for a minute and listen.)
It isn't common to see a shift in the pace of a series by its fourth book, because fans, more often than not, are already comfortable with a particular pattern. So in more ways than one, Secret (and Breathless) was pretty ballsy choosing the unexpected, introspective road, deviating from the adrenaline, the mystery and WTF plot-twists I've come to expect from this series. From how everything started in Storm to how things progressed in Secret… I mean the steamy make-out scenes alone? We've Come A Long Long Way, Baby (is it the cake pops? Because seriously Starbucks people, keep giving Brigid those cake pops). I couldn't have imagined this kind of book for Nick when I first read of him but to say I'm pleasantly surprised is a vast understatement.
He'd be the white knight in shining armor. He'd rescue her. And then he'd kiss her on her forehead and go off with a knight of his own.
I do like reading LGBT YA books but somehow I've steered clear of topics where the protagonist is at that threshold of sexual discovery and awakening because I make no claims of being fluent about the struggle and emotional turmoil a character like Nick goes through at that point in his life: level-headed, straight-A, responsible and introverted boy coming out to his brothers? To a twin brother like Gabe Merrick? The push and pull between what other people wants, which he has always defaulted to, and learning to go after what he wants can be simultaneously awkward, frustrating and heartbreaking.
And at certain points this was all of that. But I thought it was presented in a smart and relatable manner. Or as relatable as it can get for me. Nick was a very conflicted character, probably borne out of all the pressure he's put on himself for so long from school, from his family and his friends. He's so scared of getting judged of his choices, of his family being narrow-minded about his situation that he has also unwittingly judged them back ahead. I had to pause and wonder what made him so faithless of his brothers' and Hunter's capacity to understand him.
However, adding Quinn's troubled backstory of an abusive home, self-esteem issues and her unusual function in Nick's life did feel like it was too heavy on heavy. The usual sass and snark even felt a little reined in and with no respite from the angst, the story volleyed from Nick's struggle to Quinn's conflict not allowing me to digest and wallow in the ramifications properly. Instead of seamlessly amplifying each other's story lines, I felt like they stumbled and tripped against each other, trying to best each other in driving me crazy with their choices while breaking my heart.
I actually like Quinn here and even in Breathless. I found both her and Nick's isolation from their family and friends a veritable point of depth in their relationship. She's suffered some blows in her life that made her attraction with Tyler sound and logical, that their edgy and intense exchanges felt in-character and real. Her brokenness and her misguided sense of self-worth should've come across pathetic and whiny to me anywhere else but here.
"Didn't you hear her?" she said. "This is all I'm good for."
"It's not," he whispered. "I promise you it's not."
"No one wants me. I can't even make someone want me."
More than anything, this book's heart lies in the relationship between the brothers and while Michael delivered in his awesomeness, I found Gabriel a bit of a disappointment. Seeing as how close he and Nick are, perhaps I expected more from him, something with better and proper depth, something but that's probably the Gabe fangirl in me talking. What little moments Chris and Hunter had with Nick were lovely, which made me miss them a little more.
Secret was equal parts touching and infuriating and wholly courageous and breathtaking at the same time. It wasn't a perfect fit with me but I don't think that was the point. I think it sets out to deliver a message of hope and encouragement. It got a little too heavy-handed for me at some parts but never lost its heart and good intentions even in those moments. Anyone who hasn't started with this series yet probably won't expect this kind of depth from a story about four brothers with elemental powers and I really shouldn't talk so much about it anymore as it ruins the surprise...
But I really can't wait for Michael's book.
ARC provided by Kensington Books thru Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review. Quotes may not appear in the published edition.
Also on BookLikes.
January 21, 2015
I received this book as an ARC through Net Galley in exchange for honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice seeing that Nick and Adam's relationship was given the same consideration that his brothers, and Quinn's relationship received. Seeing them so obviously enamored with each other, and how well they supported, and encouraged each other, was wonderful. They really were just too adorable. I wasn't as enamored with Quinn's story, and wish they book had focused more on Nick and Adam. I did appreciate that her difficult relationship with her mother was more deeply explored, and I got a much better understanding for how much pain she was in. I did like her budding relationship, but it felt like it took away a bit from Nick and Steve's story, and I wish this had been more of a side short story than a part of this book.
I liked how characters in this story aren't static, and people have the ability to grow, and change, and that characters needed to learn about each other so they could understand each other. It's a refreshing change from so many young adult novels, heck even adult novels, with cardboard villains, and heroes. Characters who are the same in every book, and never learn anything.
I think my favorite character in these novels continues to be Michael. I love how well he does taking care of his brothers at such a young age, and I will be very excited to read his book. Another fun, well written, and developed book in what is fast becoming one of my new favorite series.
I really enjoyed this book. It was nice seeing that Nick and Adam's relationship was given the same consideration that his brothers, and Quinn's relationship received. Seeing them so obviously enamored with each other, and how well they supported, and encouraged each other, was wonderful. They really were just too adorable. I wasn't as enamored with Quinn's story, and wish they book had focused more on Nick and Adam. I did appreciate that her difficult relationship with her mother was more deeply explored, and I got a much better understanding for how much pain she was in. I did like her budding relationship, but it felt like it took away a bit from Nick and Steve's story, and I wish this had been more of a side short story than a part of this book.
I liked how characters in this story aren't static, and people have the ability to grow, and change, and that characters needed to learn about each other so they could understand each other. It's a refreshing change from so many young adult novels, heck even adult novels, with cardboard villains, and heroes. Characters who are the same in every book, and never learn anything.
I think my favorite character in these novels continues to be Michael. I love how well he does taking care of his brothers at such a young age, and I will be very excited to read his book. Another fun, well written, and developed book in what is fast becoming one of my new favorite series.
January 3, 2015
I guess I'll be figuring out my rating as I write and listen to Luke Holland's drum remixes, because this is a tough one.
One the one hand, it has all of that delicious, clever brain-candy quality I love about this series.
On the other hand, we have... niggles.
To start with the awesome, this sucked me in before I realised it, just like all the other Elemental novels and novellas before it. (No, seriously. I read all two hundred and odd pages on my phone because I couldn't spare the time to move the action to my ereader.)
The characters I loved in the previous stories - and by that I mean mainly the Merricks, who are lovable jerks made of testosterone and teenboy angst and surprising maturity - are all here, consistently wonderful and wonderfully developed. Added to them, there are characters I'd met before but hadn't really gotten to know, and they utterly charmed me.
Adam, Quinn and Tyler are amazing, guys. They're original characters with strong, well defined, compelling personalities and histories and they interact with each other and the brothers in ways that had me enthralled.
[A short aside on Tyler. The sexy in him is strong to the point of killing me. He's hot like an actual college guy who smokes and has anger management issues and hardcore guilt trips is hot - that is, unashamedly and painfully and tangibly. In a way that makes you want to protect him and be protected by him and be ravished by him, 18th century maiden style. This is what I'm talking about when I say BK has mad skills - this is no Edward Cullen or Christian Grey. This guy is serious business.]
There are some problems here though - namely, I was hungry for more about them from beginning to end, and not exclusively in the good way. There comes a point in a novel when you realise that if you haven't gotten what you were praying for until then, you're not going to get it, period. I got to that point, and grieved. There is insight, and it's well done and distributed wisely as always, but... it's not quite enough.
There is drama. The good kind. The kind that tears you up inside a little bit, and makes you ache for the characters. Still - I don't know how to put this delicately, but dude, Nick and Quinn can and will get too whiny if only you give them the chance.
The recurrent theme of one character running away from someone who's trying to help them and then playing bitchy tween because they didn't run after them in turn is, well, a bit too recurrent. Also, MAN THE FUCK UP AND TALK TO EACH OTHER, EVERYONE.
Aaand now about the talking about manning up and standing up for yourself and just taking what you want and fuck everyone else: again, you can go overboard with that too. It didn't exactly get preachy - but it was a close call.
One last thing: I expected, and wanted, something more about the Guides and the whole... death part. Thingy. Oh, you know what I'm talking about - the constant danger of being killed that looms over the Merricks' heads. That. I got that in the end, but it was a tad too rushed for my taste, although obviously pretty fucking thrilling, because it's the Guides. And the Merricks. Most importantly the Merricks. (Do you think I might be a little bit in love with the Merricks?)
BUT: it's a beautiful, exciting, tense, tender, angry story with a creative storyline, characters I want to hug and slap and then hug again and clear, crisp writing.
As I said, this woman's got mad skills, and she's not afraid to use them to make me feel... stuff. Feelings. Those pesky things - I'm usually pretty much impervious to them, but there you go, something surprises you everyday.
About the rating:
I hate thinking about this stuff. It feels like concentrating too much on the numbers and not enough on the story, but if I don't think about it then I feel guilty for not making sure I'm doing the story justice.
Yup, this is how my brain works. It is a hard life.
Considering only the enjoyment and fun I got from this, it's a four star book, no sweat. But... it's not quite up there with the rest of the Elemental stories.
Will angst about it some more.
ETA: screw this. For Tyler and the fun I had - four shiny little motherfuckers.
One the one hand, it has all of that delicious, clever brain-candy quality I love about this series.
On the other hand, we have... niggles.
To start with the awesome, this sucked me in before I realised it, just like all the other Elemental novels and novellas before it. (No, seriously. I read all two hundred and odd pages on my phone because I couldn't spare the time to move the action to my ereader.)
The characters I loved in the previous stories - and by that I mean mainly the Merricks, who are lovable jerks made of testosterone and teenboy angst and surprising maturity - are all here, consistently wonderful and wonderfully developed. Added to them, there are characters I'd met before but hadn't really gotten to know, and they utterly charmed me.
Adam, Quinn and Tyler are amazing, guys. They're original characters with strong, well defined, compelling personalities and histories and they interact with each other and the brothers in ways that had me enthralled.
[A short aside on Tyler. The sexy in him is strong to the point of killing me. He's hot like an actual college guy who smokes and has anger management issues and hardcore guilt trips is hot - that is, unashamedly and painfully and tangibly. In a way that makes you want to protect him and be protected by him and be ravished by him, 18th century maiden style. This is what I'm talking about when I say BK has mad skills - this is no Edward Cullen or Christian Grey. This guy is serious business.]
There are some problems here though - namely, I was hungry for more about them from beginning to end, and not exclusively in the good way. There comes a point in a novel when you realise that if you haven't gotten what you were praying for until then, you're not going to get it, period. I got to that point, and grieved. There is insight, and it's well done and distributed wisely as always, but... it's not quite enough.
There is drama. The good kind. The kind that tears you up inside a little bit, and makes you ache for the characters. Still - I don't know how to put this delicately, but dude, Nick and Quinn can and will get too whiny if only you give them the chance.
The recurrent theme of one character running away from someone who's trying to help them and then playing bitchy tween because they didn't run after them in turn is, well, a bit too recurrent. Also, MAN THE FUCK UP AND TALK TO EACH OTHER, EVERYONE.
Aaand now about the talking about manning up and standing up for yourself and just taking what you want and fuck everyone else: again, you can go overboard with that too. It didn't exactly get preachy - but it was a close call.
One last thing: I expected, and wanted, something more about the Guides and the whole... death part. Thingy. Oh, you know what I'm talking about - the constant danger of being killed that looms over the Merricks' heads. That. I got that in the end, but it was a tad too rushed for my taste, although obviously pretty fucking thrilling, because it's the Guides. And the Merricks. Most importantly the Merricks. (Do you think I might be a little bit in love with the Merricks?)
BUT: it's a beautiful, exciting, tense, tender, angry story with a creative storyline, characters I want to hug and slap and then hug again and clear, crisp writing.
As I said, this woman's got mad skills, and she's not afraid to use them to make me feel... stuff. Feelings. Those pesky things - I'm usually pretty much impervious to them, but there you go, something surprises you everyday.
About the rating:
I hate thinking about this stuff. It feels like concentrating too much on the numbers and not enough on the story, but if I don't think about it then I feel guilty for not making sure I'm doing the story justice.
Yup, this is how my brain works. It is a hard life.
Considering only the enjoyment and fun I got from this, it's a four star book, no sweat. But... it's not quite up there with the rest of the Elemental stories.
Will angst about it some more.
ETA: screw this. For Tyler and the fun I had - four shiny little motherfuckers.
June 5, 2015
***Discussion with Faye has been posted on The Social Potato
Here is the general outline of what I said:
I hate Quinn
I hate Tyler
Who is that guy on the cover?
NICK NICK NICK
I love Michael
NICK IS SO CUTE
Gabriel stop being a douche
Quinn and Tyler deserve to die.
Why is Tyler a love interest? He is a psychopath. No redemption for him.
NICK NICK NICK
Adam and Nick are cute
Ummm no action?
MICHAEL IS MINE SO BACK OFF
Yeah to read a somewhat more coherent summary, go to that link thingy above.
Here is the general outline of what I said:
I hate Quinn
I hate Tyler
Who is that guy on the cover?
NICK NICK NICK
I love Michael
NICK IS SO CUTE
Gabriel stop being a douche
Quinn and Tyler deserve to die.
Why is Tyler a love interest? He is a psychopath. No redemption for him.
NICK NICK NICK
Adam and Nick are cute
Ummm no action?
MICHAEL IS MINE SO BACK OFF
Yeah to read a somewhat more coherent summary, go to that link thingy above.
July 13, 2013
I ADORE Brigid Kemmerer for writing this book. And for doing such a damn good job with it.
It's everything you expect in an Elemental novel, but so much more. SECRET is brave, bold, and elevates Kemmerer from just a great storyteller to an important novelist.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
It's everything you expect in an Elemental novel, but so much more. SECRET is brave, bold, and elevates Kemmerer from just a great storyteller to an important novelist.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
Want to read
July 28, 20132014? two-thousand-freaking-fourteen?
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
by the way... The cover is kind of misleading.. Isn't it?
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
by the way... The cover is kind of misleading.. Isn't it?
November 27, 2014
You shall cross paths with *shudders* spoilers here.
This book was much more "romance and relationship" focused than the rest were. There wasn't as much action and as many plot twist as the others. I can't say that I didn't enjoy that. This book just felt like a step for the next (and final?) one. The story focuses not just on Nick and Adam but also on Quinn and Tyler.
Nick
Nick really was as awesome as I thought he'd be. He was a genuinely nice guy who wanted to help his family and his friends. He didn't was to disappoint anyone so he tried harded until he was almost ready to snap from the expectations and stress. How freaking easy is this to relate to? I don't think there's anyone out there that hasn't come across people's expectation some time in their lives. Some people struggle to meet them, others just say "fuck you" and do their own thing, but we all face them one way or another. I can understand why Nick was afraid to come out. Gabriel especially made it really hard. Nick was aid that this would mean he would lose all the important people in his life.
Adam
Adam was a walking, breathing gay stereotype. I can't say that this really annoyed me after a point. If he wore pink all the time and cried his way through the book I would have snapped but BK kept it all at an acceptable level. Truth is I know only two gay guys. One not all that well. They're both not at all ladylike but maybe the stereotype is there for a reason? Anyway..Since it never got out of hand I accept it and move on. Adam desplays clear signs of a submissive personality btw. I found this very intriguing for some reason. He is a nice guy with some emotional scars to bear. Not bad at all for my Nicky.
Quinn
I was taken aback by the fact that I didn't hate Quinn. She is an unstable person, very ungrateful at times, snapping at everyone with no reason at all. Rude, slutty, a real bitch sometimes. But I freaking get it. Her mother was an awful person. She actually decked her daughter hard enough to break her jaw. Her brother should have protected her and he just was even worse at her. This is bound to make a problematic person. It was obvious she didn't trust people not to hurt her and that was understandable considering how the people who should have made her feel special and cherished made sure to belittle and demeen her. So Quinn you actually get a free pash from me. I crown you "Queen Bitch" and offer you a free pass.
Tyler
Even more surprising is the fact that I didn't hate Tyler. He won't be my favorite person any time soon but I can't say that I understand Nick for wanting to meet everyones expectations and then not accept the same thing from Tyler. Tyler's parents expected him to grow up as ignorant and hateful as them so that was what the boy did to live up to them. I actually found myself feeling sorry for him when I considered how every insult his parents had for pure elementals must have been like a fist in the gut. It doesn't excuse his assholiness but I get it.
Random Thoughts
You know I actually didn't think that Gabriel would react this badly to Nick coming out. If you ask me it was more disappointment that Nick hadn't told him than anything else.
I also envy the brothers soo damn much. My relationship with my sister is pretty bad and I miss how easy things were when we were little. I love to see the support and love they give each other so freely. Also, I love Michael. This guy keeps getting more awesome with every book. I hate waiting for his book.
I found it very interesting that the steamier "hot and heavy" scenes we've seen in the series so far was between the gay couple. It's obvious the author has put some fantasizing behind this one.*winks naughtily*
I also like the fact that we don't have any "I love you"s cheese in the series. The relationships develop gradually and not in the speed of light. Yes there are make out sessions and sex but they are teenagers, it comes with the territory. At least they aren't spewing love promises to each other after a week.
***
"A smiley face? Nick had no idea what that meant. Was that casual happy? Excited happy? An obligatory response that didn’t mean anything? It wasn’t even a D smiley. It was one of the parenthesis ones."
I so get where he's coming from. I hate "smiley face" responses. You never know how to take them. My ex-bf used to send smileys when he was angry. I'm a serious smiley hater. :P
“What’s what feel like?”
“The back wall of that closet you’ve buried yourself inside.”
This made me admire Adam so much. He called Nick on his bullshit all the time.
This book was much more "romance and relationship" focused than the rest were. There wasn't as much action and as many plot twist as the others. I can't say that I didn't enjoy that. This book just felt like a step for the next (and final?) one. The story focuses not just on Nick and Adam but also on Quinn and Tyler.
Nick
Nick really was as awesome as I thought he'd be. He was a genuinely nice guy who wanted to help his family and his friends. He didn't was to disappoint anyone so he tried harded until he was almost ready to snap from the expectations and stress. How freaking easy is this to relate to? I don't think there's anyone out there that hasn't come across people's expectation some time in their lives. Some people struggle to meet them, others just say "fuck you" and do their own thing, but we all face them one way or another. I can understand why Nick was afraid to come out. Gabriel especially made it really hard. Nick was aid that this would mean he would lose all the important people in his life.
Adam
Adam was a walking, breathing gay stereotype. I can't say that this really annoyed me after a point. If he wore pink all the time and cried his way through the book I would have snapped but BK kept it all at an acceptable level. Truth is I know only two gay guys. One not all that well. They're both not at all ladylike but maybe the stereotype is there for a reason? Anyway..Since it never got out of hand I accept it and move on. Adam desplays clear signs of a submissive personality btw. I found this very intriguing for some reason. He is a nice guy with some emotional scars to bear. Not bad at all for my Nicky.
Quinn
I was taken aback by the fact that I didn't hate Quinn. She is an unstable person, very ungrateful at times, snapping at everyone with no reason at all. Rude, slutty, a real bitch sometimes. But I freaking get it. Her mother was an awful person. She actually decked her daughter hard enough to break her jaw. Her brother should have protected her and he just was even worse at her. This is bound to make a problematic person. It was obvious she didn't trust people not to hurt her and that was understandable considering how the people who should have made her feel special and cherished made sure to belittle and demeen her. So Quinn you actually get a free pash from me. I crown you "Queen Bitch" and offer you a free pass.
Tyler
Even more surprising is the fact that I didn't hate Tyler. He won't be my favorite person any time soon but I can't say that I understand Nick for wanting to meet everyones expectations and then not accept the same thing from Tyler. Tyler's parents expected him to grow up as ignorant and hateful as them so that was what the boy did to live up to them. I actually found myself feeling sorry for him when I considered how every insult his parents had for pure elementals must have been like a fist in the gut. It doesn't excuse his assholiness but I get it.
Random Thoughts
You know I actually didn't think that Gabriel would react this badly to Nick coming out. If you ask me it was more disappointment that Nick hadn't told him than anything else.
I also envy the brothers soo damn much. My relationship with my sister is pretty bad and I miss how easy things were when we were little. I love to see the support and love they give each other so freely. Also, I love Michael. This guy keeps getting more awesome with every book. I hate waiting for his book.
I found it very interesting that the steamier "hot and heavy" scenes we've seen in the series so far was between the gay couple. It's obvious the author has put some fantasizing behind this one.*winks naughtily*
I also like the fact that we don't have any "I love you"s cheese in the series. The relationships develop gradually and not in the speed of light. Yes there are make out sessions and sex but they are teenagers, it comes with the territory. At least they aren't spewing love promises to each other after a week.
***
"A smiley face? Nick had no idea what that meant. Was that casual happy? Excited happy? An obligatory response that didn’t mean anything? It wasn’t even a D smiley. It was one of the parenthesis ones."
I so get where he's coming from. I hate "smiley face" responses. You never know how to take them. My ex-bf used to send smileys when he was angry. I'm a serious smiley hater. :P
“What’s what feel like?”
“The back wall of that closet you’ve buried yourself inside.”
This made me admire Adam so much. He called Nick on his bullshit all the time.
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November 12, 2015
Secret is book four in the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer. This book deals with Nick, who is Gabriel’s twin brother. Nick is an air elemental. He is still growing with his power over the air but when he is upset, scared or angry, sometimes things might get a little out of control. The air temperature might suddenly drop 10 or 20 degrees or a tornado might suddenly pop up. But the air can tell him things like when danger is coming, or when his brother needs him. Nick is the good brother, the one everyone can always count on. The one that gets the good grades, helps Michael whenever he needs him, babysits Michael’s girlfriend’s little boy when they need him to. Nick’s girlfriend is Quinn who is Becca’s best friend that we met in a previous book. But, Nick has secrets. Secrets that he is afraid if his brothers find out, he will lose them.
And, there is always the danger of the guides showing up. The guides want the Merrick brothers dead due to their pure elemental powers. And what happened to Calla Dean who wants to start a war with the guides? Is she dead or just hiding?
What I loved about this particular book is that it dealt with more than just Nick’s story. We really got into Quinn’s story and we meet Adam, who is Quinn’s dance partner and plays a very important part in this book. We also will get to know Tyler better who is a past enemy of the Merrick brothers that might not turn out to be an enemy any more.
In places, Secret is a little slower, maybe not as much action as the previous books, but it has an awesome ending. I do want to say that this series is a paranormal series but really, it is about so much more. This series deals with so many important issues today’s teenagers are forced to deal with. It deals with physical abuse, accepting your sexuality, substance abuse and bullying. Throughout these books we see the mistakes our main characters make in not telling someone they need help or in not trusting the ones that want to help them. But we see each situation resolved through the love and friendship of family and friends. I think perhaps the best and most important part of this book is the afterward. So if you pay attention to nothing else, pay attention to that. Brigid Kemmerer has written an awesome paranormal series but through these characters she is hopefully showing the readers that they are not alone and not to be afraid to ask for help.
Now is the long wait for the next book that will be Michael’s story. I can’t wait for that. I do want to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy of Secret. And thank you to Brigid Kemmerer for this wonderful series.
December 21, 2013
Well the Elemental Series does not fail to surprise me. In fact Secret is almost like two stories that converge into one. To me Miss Kemmerer writes YA like it should be. Filled with real life issues that are not downplayed because of people misconceptions about young adults. She also doesn't write her series to exclude "adults" and the Merrick brothers are this amazing mix of ages that just feels right and true.
Okay the story...
This is Nicks journey with and heavy dose of Quinn and I loved it! The mix between these two, Nick using Quinn as his girlfriend and Quinn falling for her old ways and letting Nick use her because she doesn't feel worthy (see... YA themes that need to be touched on). Nick is hiding his true self from the people who can understand him most and her pushes Quinn into the arms of the Merrick brothers enemy... or is he?
I'm about to get on my soap box...
I love lessons in books. I just do. For example, Quinn's home life is a wreck or more it a nightmare and she's holding on by a thread. Part of me wonders how she hid it this long and if the person who helps her just understood her pain. Some YA books have gotten some slack for graphic language or sex. Now there is not actual "sex" in this book, it's alluded to. For me the these touched on in Secret, coming out to your family and domestic abuse are issues that young adults deal with all the time. These issues were delt with is such a positive matter that I hope people can accept them for being positive.
What I loved about Secret...
Umm everything! The pace - non-stop action but with some real life Merrick dating drama mixed in. This book is all Nick but with a good dose of Quinn and I finally understood her and I loved her even more after reading this book. Now Tyler was someone we were lead to hate but in Secret you may change your mind about him. I know I did. I couldn't put this book down and I didn't want to because I kept wanting to know what was on the next page. This is book 4 in the Elemental Series, we have a clear picture of the Merrick men, but somehow each book reveals more. More importantly this series is just fun to read and never fails to be a great read. So if you haven't picked up and book by Miss Kemmerer, then your in for a treat. She's a hidden gem in the writing world.
ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Okay the story...
This is Nicks journey with and heavy dose of Quinn and I loved it! The mix between these two, Nick using Quinn as his girlfriend and Quinn falling for her old ways and letting Nick use her because she doesn't feel worthy (see... YA themes that need to be touched on). Nick is hiding his true self from the people who can understand him most and her pushes Quinn into the arms of the Merrick brothers enemy... or is he?
I'm about to get on my soap box...
I love lessons in books. I just do. For example, Quinn's home life is a wreck or more it a nightmare and she's holding on by a thread. Part of me wonders how she hid it this long and if the person who helps her just understood her pain. Some YA books have gotten some slack for graphic language or sex. Now there is not actual "sex" in this book, it's alluded to. For me the these touched on in Secret, coming out to your family and domestic abuse are issues that young adults deal with all the time. These issues were delt with is such a positive matter that I hope people can accept them for being positive.
What I loved about Secret...
Umm everything! The pace - non-stop action but with some real life Merrick dating drama mixed in. This book is all Nick but with a good dose of Quinn and I finally understood her and I loved her even more after reading this book. Now Tyler was someone we were lead to hate but in Secret you may change your mind about him. I know I did. I couldn't put this book down and I didn't want to because I kept wanting to know what was on the next page. This is book 4 in the Elemental Series, we have a clear picture of the Merrick men, but somehow each book reveals more. More importantly this series is just fun to read and never fails to be a great read. So if you haven't picked up and book by Miss Kemmerer, then your in for a treat. She's a hidden gem in the writing world.
ARC courtesy of Kensington Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2014
Simply amazing.
Behind all the drama, action and paranormal aspects to this book. There was so much reality that took place. So many real life experiences and heartbreaks that people go through every single day. I seriously couldn't have loved this book any more then I already do.
With Nick going through something millions of people go through, it was a nice break from all the elemental and guide nonsense. I always loved Nick but even after his novella when we learn the truth about Nick, I fell for him just a little bit more. Hell, I fell more in love with all the Merrick's. The support and love shown in those brothers made me feel SO proud.
Although I am super excited to read Micheal's book, because he is my favorite, this one almost matched it. Nick out of everyone really deserved all this happiness in his life.
We learn a lot about the boys past. Things that happened with Emily and Micheal, and even things about Tyler and his family. I also am happy that Quinn is getting support from friends she thought she had lost. It was about time that her "at home" issues are finally being dealt with.
Kemmerer did such an amazing job and really showing us readers that even though we may think we have problems, and although we may think we can't get through them we can. We always can. Plus we need to remember that sometimes our problems may not be as bad as others. The beautiful story opened my eyes to that.
I don't think I will ever be ready to let the Merrick brothers go. Love, love, love, LOVE.
Everyone say "HORRAY!!" Love me some Niiiiick :D
Behind all the drama, action and paranormal aspects to this book. There was so much reality that took place. So many real life experiences and heartbreaks that people go through every single day. I seriously couldn't have loved this book any more then I already do.
With Nick going through something millions of people go through, it was a nice break from all the elemental and guide nonsense. I always loved Nick but even after his novella when we learn the truth about Nick, I fell for him just a little bit more. Hell, I fell more in love with all the Merrick's. The support and love shown in those brothers made me feel SO proud.
Although I am super excited to read Micheal's book, because he is my favorite, this one almost matched it. Nick out of everyone really deserved all this happiness in his life.
We learn a lot about the boys past. Things that happened with Emily and Micheal, and even things about Tyler and his family. I also am happy that Quinn is getting support from friends she thought she had lost. It was about time that her "at home" issues are finally being dealt with.
Kemmerer did such an amazing job and really showing us readers that even though we may think we have problems, and although we may think we can't get through them we can. We always can. Plus we need to remember that sometimes our problems may not be as bad as others. The beautiful story opened my eyes to that.
I don't think I will ever be ready to let the Merrick brothers go. Love, love, love, LOVE.
Everyone say "HORRAY!!" Love me some Niiiiick :D
October 27, 2014
I wish I could give this book more than just 5 stars. Five just doesn't come close to how much I loved this book.
I'll admit it...Nick wasn't exactly my favorite Merrick brother. But this book...this story...was by far my favorite in the series. I am in awe of how Brigid Kemmerer captured such a special storyline in such a magnificent and real way. Her writing style is so fabulous I was literally gasping out loud at certain parts.
I loved how she didn't make believe Nick coming out was all sunshine and rainbows. She even went so far as to make his own twin react in a stereotypically sad way to the news that it felt very real. Yes yes they make up eventually but it's gut wrenching reading that scene. I felt awful for Nick and wanted to throat punch Gabriel myself after that. Brigid took a sensitive subject and wrote it beautifully.
On top of having a gay main character, Secret also touches on the sad truth of a young person trapped in an abusive family. Brigid did not sugar coat it. She took it head on and in the most beautifully written way. I literally felt Quinn's pain through her words. I wish every Quinn of the world had a Tyler-type hero in their lives.
This book (and the series) is a MUST READ.
I'll admit it...Nick wasn't exactly my favorite Merrick brother. But this book...this story...was by far my favorite in the series. I am in awe of how Brigid Kemmerer captured such a special storyline in such a magnificent and real way. Her writing style is so fabulous I was literally gasping out loud at certain parts.
I loved how she didn't make believe Nick coming out was all sunshine and rainbows. She even went so far as to make his own twin react in a stereotypically sad way to the news that it felt very real. Yes yes they make up eventually but it's gut wrenching reading that scene. I felt awful for Nick and wanted to throat punch Gabriel myself after that. Brigid took a sensitive subject and wrote it beautifully.
On top of having a gay main character, Secret also touches on the sad truth of a young person trapped in an abusive family. Brigid did not sugar coat it. She took it head on and in the most beautifully written way. I literally felt Quinn's pain through her words. I wish every Quinn of the world had a Tyler-type hero in their lives.
This book (and the series) is a MUST READ.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2014
I REALLY, REALLY LOVE THE MERRICK BROTHERS. Just when I thought I couldn't love them more, Brigid Kemmerer proves me wrong. Because I can't believe I ever forgot how much fun I have in their crazy elemental world!
P.S. I don't like Quinn. But I do sometimes love her.
P.P.S. Chris is SO. SO. SO. Indescribable. Perfect. Amazing. I love him <3
P.P.P.S. Nick reminds me a little of Nick Jonas. In the best possible way :')
P.P.P.P.S. I WANT MORE!
Review to come :)
P.S. I don't like Quinn. But I do sometimes love her.
P.P.S. Chris is SO. SO. SO. Indescribable. Perfect. Amazing. I love him <3
P.P.P.S. Nick reminds me a little of Nick Jonas. In the best possible way :')
P.P.P.P.S. I WANT MORE!
Review to come :)
October 11, 2016
Nick is my favourite and I would die for him! Ugh, I can't believe I only have one book left in this series :(
December 10, 2013
(Source: I received a digital copy of this book on a read-to-review basis. Thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley.)
This is book 4 in the ‘Elemental’ series.
Nick knows that he likes boys, and more specifically he likes Adam, but his emotions are not in check and he seems to be sending Quinn running into the arms of someone he really doesn’t like or trust.
Can Nick come clean to his brothers about who he is dating, and the fact that it’s a guy?
This was an okay story, but for me the ending was much better than the first 80% of the book.
I really liked ‘Breathless’, so I was looking forward to seeing what happened with Nick and Adam in this book. Nick seemed quite preoccupied in this book though, and it was hard to get a real feel for him most of the time. I understood how he felt, and how difficult things were for him, but I also understood how hard it was for him to admit to his brothers that he was gay.
The storyline in this mainly revolved around Nick and Adam, with some time also devoted to Quinn and Tyler. Unlike the last book where everything was about the guides, this time everything was about the romance, and for me neither of these were ideal as I felt there needed to be more balance.
The romance in this was okay, and I liked Adam’s flirty little texts, but it didn’t have quite the same ‘heart-racing, OMG, I love him, I can’t put this down, I’ll die if he doesn’t kiss her right now’ quality that Spark had. I thought the Male-Male romance was done well though, and I was happy for Nick and Adam, I just didn’t get as involved in the romance as I might have done, I don’t know why. I don’t think it was just because it was Male-Male though as I didn’t feel it with Quinn and Tyler either.
The rest of the storyline was basically missing until around the 80% mark, when things suddenly started to happen, and we got some real action and excitement –finally! The last 20% of the book was really good, and definitely improved this book for me. We were then left with a bit of a cliff-hanger right at the end though.
Overall; okay, but not as good as Spark for me.
7 out of 10.
This is book 4 in the ‘Elemental’ series.
Nick knows that he likes boys, and more specifically he likes Adam, but his emotions are not in check and he seems to be sending Quinn running into the arms of someone he really doesn’t like or trust.
Can Nick come clean to his brothers about who he is dating, and the fact that it’s a guy?
This was an okay story, but for me the ending was much better than the first 80% of the book.
I really liked ‘Breathless’, so I was looking forward to seeing what happened with Nick and Adam in this book. Nick seemed quite preoccupied in this book though, and it was hard to get a real feel for him most of the time. I understood how he felt, and how difficult things were for him, but I also understood how hard it was for him to admit to his brothers that he was gay.
The storyline in this mainly revolved around Nick and Adam, with some time also devoted to Quinn and Tyler. Unlike the last book where everything was about the guides, this time everything was about the romance, and for me neither of these were ideal as I felt there needed to be more balance.
The romance in this was okay, and I liked Adam’s flirty little texts, but it didn’t have quite the same ‘heart-racing, OMG, I love him, I can’t put this down, I’ll die if he doesn’t kiss her right now’ quality that Spark had. I thought the Male-Male romance was done well though, and I was happy for Nick and Adam, I just didn’t get as involved in the romance as I might have done, I don’t know why. I don’t think it was just because it was Male-Male though as I didn’t feel it with Quinn and Tyler either.
The rest of the storyline was basically missing until around the 80% mark, when things suddenly started to happen, and we got some real action and excitement –finally! The last 20% of the book was really good, and definitely improved this book for me. We were then left with a bit of a cliff-hanger right at the end though.
Overall; okay, but not as good as Spark for me.
7 out of 10.
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