Letters To The Lost by Brigid Kemmerer-Review and Giveaway

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer-Review and Giveaway

Letters to the Lost Banner

LETTERS TO THE LOST
by Brigid Kemmerer
Release Date: April 4, 2017
Genre: YA, dark romance

Letters to the Lost

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 4, 2017

Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can’t resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they’re not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother, a world-renowned photojournalist. When her mom was away on assignment they would always write to each other.
So even in her mothers death she has continued to write to her. Leaving her handwritten letters to her mother at the cemetery. They are private and personal and just between
her and her mother. Its her way of staying connected to her mother. That is until someone reads one – and has the audacity to respond.

Declan Murphy is full on juvenile delinquent – at least that’s what everyone thinks of him. While doing his court appointed community service, he spends his time mowing the lawn
at the local cemetery. Part of the job he must do is pick up everyone’s personal belongings from the graves before he mows the lawn. There he finds a letter that
so entirely speaks to him, he has no choice but to respond. How could another person feel exactly the way he does. How can they know what it feels like to be him.
But, when Juliet realizes that someone has read her personal letter to her mother, and not only that but responded to it, to say she was quite upset is an understatement. When she writes back to let the person know that she feels that they have violated her privacy she has no idea what this will begin. And so begins a series of letters that help to heal both Juliet and Declan. But nothing comes easy. To find their way they must first find themselves.

Juliet is undoubtedly broken – she has been since the death of her mother. She has no one she can turn to or even begin to explain how she feels responsible for her mothers death.

She is the one that begged her mother to come home early from her trip. She is the one responsible for her being in the cab when she was. She knows had she not begged her mother to come home she would be here today. Declan has had a life just a rough. His father killed his sister and he too feels that he bears the blame of that. If he had just driven them that evening instead of telling his dad to drive himself. His sister would still be alive. He lives with that burden every day. He hasn’t dealt with any of this the way he should have. Instead he has broken the law and further feeds into what everyone thinks of him. His pain was absolutely real and my heart broke for him. Several times I was brought to tears with his words and how broken he was.

What an amazing, turbulent, truthful and powerful story. This story follows two teenagers through some stuff that no teenager should ever have to face. But through their letters – they realize that they are not alone in this. That someone is willing to listen and perhaps see beyond what’s masked on the outside. I enjoyed both characters of Juliet and Declan. Both tormented and tragic in their own lives. But when they begin to open up to one another – something magical happens. And it happens without judgment. When we can truly see the person for who they are not what their outward appearance seems to say. I loved how they interacted with each other at school – not knowing who the other was. Not knowing that they have a connection with each other and just don’t know it yet.

I loved the secondary character of Rev, Declan’s best friend. His story was just a complicated and complex as any I have ever read. I want to know so much more though. His ending in this book was perfect and left me teary eyed and smiling. I can’t wait to share this story with my teen daughter – she is going to absolutely love it as much as I did. Highly recommend.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Erin

 

About The Author

Brigid KemmererFollow: Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

BRIGID KEMMERER is author of LETTERS TO THE LOST (Bloomsbury; April 4, 2017), a dark, contemporary Young Adult romance; THICKER THAN WATER (Kensington, December 29, 2015), a New Adult paranormal mystery with elements of romance; and the YALSA-nominated Elemental series of five Young Adult novels and three e-novellas. She lives in the Baltimore area with her husband and four sons.

giveaway

Brigid Kemmer’s publiscist is offering a finished copy of LETTERS TO THE LOST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Brigid Kemmerer on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway is open to USA and CANADA only

9. Giveaway runs from April 15-19, 2017

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Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

THICKER THAN WATER by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

Thicker Than Water

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date December 29, 2015

On his own

Thomas Bellweather hasn’t been in town long. Just long enough for his newlywed mother to be murdered, and for his new stepdad’s cop colleagues to decide Thomas is the primary suspect.

Not that there’s any evidence. But before Thomas got to Garretts Mill there had just been one other murder in twenty years.

The only person who believes him is Charlotte Rooker, little sister to three cops and, with her soft hands and sweet curves, straight-up dangerous to Thomas. Her best friend was the other murder vic. And she’d like a couple answers.

Answers that could get them both killed, and reveal a truth Thomas would die to keep hidden

•••••

REVIEW: THICKER THAN WATER by Brigid Kemmerer is a young adult, paranormal, suspense-filled story line that focuses on eighteen year old Thomas Bellweather-the prime suspect in the strangulation death of his mother- ten days following her marriage to a local cop. When Thomas is befriended by Charlotte Rooker, a seventeen year old girl whose three brothers and father are all police officers, things go from bad to worse when a number of incidents and accidents befall Charlotte all pointing to Thomas as the guilty party. What ensues is a police investigation by Charlotte’s brothers that finger young Thomas regardless of his declaration of innocence or clues proving otherwise.

Brigid Kemmerer writes a story that is both emotional and frustrating as it pertains to Thomas’s innocence or guilt. As the number one suspect he is always on the cop’s radar, as well as the focus of public accusation and the mistaken belief that our hero is guilty of any number of crimes. As the story line builds the finger of guilt continues to point at Thomas Bellweather but we are well aware that our hero is always in the right place at the wrong time.

THICKER THAN WATER is told from alternating first person points of view (Thomas and Charlotte) that allows the reader into the mindset of a young man whose life imploded upon the murder of his mother. Living in a strange town, with a man he barely knows, Thomas becomes the target and a victim when the past returns for a final showdown.

To address the paranormal aspect of the story line, I think I would have enjoyed the story line more if this particular trope had not been included. THICKER THAN WATER made for a great murder-mystery, a story of accusation, suspense and betrayal but the ‘supernatural’ element is a big of a red herring that added an unbelievable aspect to the story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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Sacrifice (Elemental #5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

Sacrifice (Elemental #5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

Sacrifice

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2014

Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She’s got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s ‘bad luck’. Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.

Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: SACRIFICE is the fifth full length and final(?) novel in Brigid Kemmerer’s contemporary, young adult Elemental paranormal series focusing on the four Merrick brothers. Although each of the storylines includes all four brothers and an ensemble cast of characters (including Sacrifice), SACRIFICE focuses on the eldest brother and earth elemental, twenty three year old Michael Merrick.

In the world of the supernatural Elementals-water, fire, earth and air-there is also a group known as the Guides. As with any paranormal storyline, the Guides are the requisite evil whose mission is to rid the world of all Elementals. The Merrick family has been targeted for destruction but the who and the how is a constant mystery. As Michael struggles to keep his family together, following the murder of their parents five years earlier, he is fighting a losing battle when the police and the fire department suspect one or all of the Merricks in a series of fires, explosions and deaths. The Department of Family Services has been notified and it is time for the Merrick brothers to find another home.

The romance aspect of the storyline is limited because the focus finds Michael striving to keep control of his element while all around him death and destruction thrive. As the body count increases, he becomes the number one suspect when the investigators find Michael at every crime scene. Michael has been set up but who is the one behind all of the threats.

The writing is simple. The storyline has some graphic violence and numerous deaths including someone close to the Merrick family. No one is safe when the Guides come hunting for the Elementals. The world building continues with the familiarity of the Elemental power and the continuous destruction by the Guides. Even those connected to the Merrick family will find themselves at a disadvantage and a target for destruction.

SACRIFICE is the supposedly the final instalment in Brigid Kemmerer’s young adult, ELEMENTAL series. It does not end on a happily ever after but a happily ever after –for now. There is no resolution to the family situation and Michael’s relationship with Hannah points in another direction now that the truth has finally been revealed. Brigid does not wrap up the series with a pretty little bow but with a ‘sh*t happens and everyone must move on’ kind of attitude. I would hope that there will be a few more novellas to wrap up the storyline-perhaps an epilogue that looks to the future and what has happened to the Merrick brothers in the intervening time.

The copy I received included the three Elemental Series novellasELEMENTAL (the introduction), FEARLESS and BREATHLESS (see review below).

Reading Order
.5 Elemental
1. Storm
1.5 Fearless
2. Spark
2.5 Breathless
3. Spirit
4. Secret
5. Sacrifice

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

____________________

BreathlessBREATHLESS
(Elemental 2.5)
by Brigid Kemmerer

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2013

Click HERE for our interview with AXEL JORDAN-the cover model for Breathless and Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Too many secrets. Not enough time.

Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace

REVIEW: BREATHLESS is the third novella in Brigid Kemmerer’s contemporary, young adult (YA) Elemental paranormal series focusing on the four Merrick brothers whose powers specialize in the four elements-water, air, fire, and earth. Breathless is the introduction to Nick Merrick’s storyline and one that gives the reader a closer look at Nick’s reluctance to accept Quinn as his permanent ‘girlfriend’.

Brigid Kemmerer touches on a topic that can be controversial for young adult and teens. When Nick Merrick finds himself torn between what society expects and what he feels for another young man he knows that he isn’t the only one with similar feelings. Confusion about his new found attraction to Adam is the beginning of the next stage in Nick’s young life.

The secondary characters play a small role throughout the story but the focus is on Nick’s conflicted feelings. His emotional stability is dependant on his family and friend’s acceptance, and the acceptance of the young man who is the recipient of Nick’s new found feelings.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Axel Jordan-Interview with the Musician and Model

Axel Jordan-Interview with the Musician and Model

Today, at The Reading Cafe, we would like to introduce musician and model Axel Jordan. Hope everyone enjoys getting to know today’s cover model !!

TRC: Hi Axel and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Axel: Twitter / Facebook / Website/

Axel Jordan 1AXEL: Sure thing! I’m a musician. Born and raised here in NYC. I keep myself pretty busy. Constantly studying music; my craft. And castings around the city.

TRC: What were your goals and aspirations growing up?

AXEL: I was also a performer of some sort. Even as a little kid, I knew I wanted to sing at the top of my lungs. I was either going to be a performer or a veterinarian. I love Animals. Always have.

TRC: Will you please tell us about how you got started in the modeling/cover modeling business?

AXEL: Fortunately, I was blessed and modeled as a kid. It allowed me to meet a lot of people. As I grew up I still maintained contacts with my agents and work pretty consistently. It’s a great way to keep myself busy, make some money and meet a lot of people.

SparkTRC: You recently appeared on the covers of Brigid Kemmerer’s SPARK and BREATHLESS. Many YA and romance novels use the cover model as the
depiction of the storyline hero. What do you say to all of the ‘fans’ who imagine YOU -Axel Jordan- as their storyline hero?

AXEL: To that I say, Thank You. It’s quite flattering when I receive messages about how readers relate the characters to me. I can
personally relate to both characters, Nick & Gabriel, so I take it as a compliment.

TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

AXEL: To date, I’ve appeared on the cover of 4 novels.

TRC: What was your first PUBLISHED cover and by which author?

BreathlessAXEL: The first were the covers of Brigid Kemmerer’s novels.

TRC: At times, there has been a stigma surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry. But the popularity of the paranormal romance and YA (Young Adult) storylines has skyrocketed in the last few years. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance and young adult cover model’?

AXEL: I think in the past, YA stories weren’t as honest as they are today. In today’s society, young adults are actually talking truthfully about their feelings and encounters. They aren’t hiding behind the idea of what is considered to be “Right” or “Wrong”. Whether it’s on TV shows or in novels, you’re really getting a close idea of how the minds of young adults actually work. As an artist, I personally believe in living your truth. All day, everyday. So I give it two thumbs up*!

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

AXEL: Completely wrong, No. But I’ve certainly had shoots where things weren’t going right. But it’s a job and I’m pretty dedicated to work so I pull it together and make it work.

Axel Jordan2TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography. What would you tell young models just entering the business about nude modeling?

AXEL: Not always and not all models, but often times models are looking for recognition and are looking to be the best they can be. That can sometimes leave you open to be taken advantage of. Truth is, yes, modeling is about knowing your body. It’s about sexuality and sensuality. But it’s also about confidence. Know yourself and know your boundaries. I always say, know the job and know your worth. If Calvin Klein called and wanted me to shoot partially nude or nude, I would consider it. Till then, no thanks.

TRC: What is your most embarrassing moment?

AXEL: I don’t know if I have any. I can roll with the punches and tend to find humor in most things. So, I’m not easily embarrassed

TRC: When you are not modeling what can we find you doing-in other words-what is your ‘day job’? 😉

Axel Jordan 3AXEL: I’m a musician. Currently working on an album. Released my debut single on iTunes a while back. Go check it out. Via my website
AxelJordan.com or on iTunes. Song is titled “Release You”

Click HERE and download a copy of RELEASE YOU for only .99cents from iTunes.

TRC: What three (3) things would you like to accomplish in the next ten (10) years?

 

 

AXEL: In 10 years ….
– Receive many Grammy’s
– Travel the world. Several Times over.
– Start a family. This one will be closer to the 10 year mark though.

TRC: What is something that few people (if any) know about you?

AXEL: I love to go to Live Stand-up Comedy shows. Oh, and I’m a total Sci-Fi geek.

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

AXEL: I run. I run a few times a week. Either outside (if its nice out) or indoors, I can just zone out for 6-miles. It clears my head andeverything just makes sense afterwards.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

AXEL: ummmm nope. I think you pretty much covered it all.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

– Pizza

Favorite Dessert

– Cake

Favorite TV Show

– Game Of Thrones

Last Movie You Saw

– Frozen. On a plane yesterday.

Dark or Milk Chocolate

– Milk

Secret Celebrity Crush

– Mila Kunis

Last Vacation Destination

– Puerto Rico

TRC: Thank you Axel for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success and we look forward to many more covers.

AXEL: Thank You! I Look forward to sharing more with ya’ sometime.

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BRIGID KEMMERER-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

BRIGID KEMMERER-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

With the September 2012 release of SPARK The Reading Cafe would like to welcome the author Brigid Kemmerer.

TRC: Hi Brigid and welcome to The Reading Café.  Congratulations on the recent release of SPARK and FEARLESS.  We would like to start with some background information.

Please tell us something about yourself?

Brigid: My name is Brigid Kemmerer, and I live just outside Baltimore, Maryland. I have a full time job and a family (all boys!), so I write whenever I can. Storm, was my debut novel, about a girl who becomes entangled with four brothers who control the elements and their battle with those who want them dead.

LINK to Website

TRC: Your bio states that the heroes for your Young Adult Elemental series –the Merrick brothers-were originally brothers in your original vampire novels.
What was the catalyst that shifted your characters from vampires to elementals?  Was it an easy shift?

Brigid: It actually was an easy shift. I wrote about the brothers as vampires when I was in high school, and in my mid-twenties, I rewrote the book with a different plot — but still vampires. Still didn’t work. I wrote something completely different, but I couldn’t get those four brothers out of my head. I started brainstorming things that went with the number four: four horsemen of the apocalypse, four-leaf-clovers, four, four, four. When I came upon the four elements of earth, air, fire, and water, I wrote a few chapters of a completely new story to see if I could pull it off — and it worked!

TRC: What difficulties or challenges have you faced as a writer?

Brigid: Time is my greatest enemy. There are never enough hours in the day. As such, I have no social life and my house is in a constant state of “meh, clean enough,” but my kids get time, my husband gets time, and books get written. Right now, that’s all that matters.

TRC: The Elemental series focuses on a small town where many of the people have affinities or powers fed by the ‘elements’-air, fire, earth, water and the
5th element.  Would you please tell us something about the premise of the series?

READING ORDER
1. Elemental Click HERE for our review
2. Storm
3. Fearless
4. Spark
5. Spirit

Brigid: It’s easiest to describe it the way Chris reveals it to Becca: imagine a five pointed star in a circle. Everyone on earth lives inside that circle. People who fall on a branch of the star have a strong affinity for that element. People who fall on a point can control that element — the Elementals. Unfortunately, this power makes Elementals marked for death, because the Guides — Elementals who fall on the fifth point, for Spirit — have decided that individuals with so much power are too dangerous to live.

TRC: FEARLESS is the new e-novella (July 2012 release) that focuses on Hunter Garrity.  Would you please tell us about the premise?

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Brigid: Fearless covers Hunter’s back story before he shows up in Storm. He has a unique relationship with his father, but he breaks some rules to get close to a girl from school…

TRC Would you please explain what is the 5th Elemental?

Brigid: A Fifth Elemental is someone who can control all the elements. Fifth Elementals are trained to destroy the other Elementals of Fire, Earth, Air, and Water.

TRC: Hunter seems to hover between good and evil, hero and villain.  Did you have difficulty with the character, trying to decide on which path he should follow?

Brigid: Oh, Hunter. His book, Spirit, will be out late next spring, and it’s all about riding that line between hero and villain. It was a tremendous challenge living inside his head for an entire book. While there’s a romance in the novel (I mean, come on), Spirit isn’t about Hunter finding love. It’s about Hunter finding himself.

TRC: SPARK is the latest (August 28, 2012) release.  Would you please tell us something about the premise?

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
B&N Nook and Paper Books
KOBO
The Book Depository

Brigid: Actually, I can do one better. I can show you: Click HERE-The Elemental Series

TRC: So far, Chris and Gabriel have had their stories told.  Will you be writing a story for each Merrick brother?  How many books do you have planned for the series?

 

Brigid: Right now, I’m contracted for three books, and three novellas. Nick Merrick will have a novella next Spring.

TRC: Michael Merrick was the featured brother in your introductory storyline ELEMENTAL, but is was a novella.  Will you write a full-length story for Michael?  If so, now that he is an adult, how will you handle his storyline in a Young Adult series?

Brigid: I’d love to do a book for Michael. I just turned in Spirit to my editor, and we’re talking about what’s next.

TRC: How much research and background information has been required, especially with SPARK and the fire element?

Brigid: I did a lot of research for Spark. I interviewed the local fire chief and got an in depth tour of the fire house. He also gave me his email address, which I’m sure he regretted later, since I emailed him about a bazillion questions. I also interviewed two police officers about investigation and arrest procedures. Finally, I had to read a lot about Maryland law and who gets charged as an adult and when. All of it was amazing and fun.

TRC: Are you especially fond of any one particular Merrick brother, and if so, why?

Brigid: I love them all! I could no sooner pick a favorite child.

TRC: Writer’s block is a very real phenomenon for many authors.  How do you handle the stress and pressure of writer’s block?

Brigid: There’s only one cure: put your butt in the chair and write. Something. Anything. If I’m feeling blocked with a scene, I’ll go write a blog post or fill out an interview request. (Hi!) That usually loosens me up and lets me write.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Brigid: I just turned in Spirit, so I’m working on Nick’s novella plus a “super-sekrit-projekt,” as the kids say. 🙂

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Popcorn. No, chips. No, popcorn.

Favorite Dessert – I’m not really a dessert person. Is popcorn a dessert?

Favorite TV Show – The Vampire Diaries

Favorite Movie – Runaway Bride

Last Movie You Saw – The Avengers. No, wait, the Will Ferrell political one.

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Both! I mean, honestly.

Favorite Flower – I’m not really a flower gal.

Last Vacation Destination – Great Wolf Lodge in Wiliamsburg, Virginia. It’s an indoor water park.

Do you have any pets? – Yep, two dogs and my husband.

TRC: 😉

TRC:  Thank you Brigid for taking the time to answer our questions.  WE are
looking forward to all of your new releases in the Elemental series.
~~~~~~~~~~

Brigid Kemmerer is offering a signed copy of her latest release SPARK (Elemental #2) to ONE lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. The giveaway is open to ALL registered members at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a registered member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a log-in such as Twitter, please leave your email address with your comment as Twitter et al does not allow for an email address.

3.  Please answer ONE of the LIGHTNING ROUND questions.

4. Giveaway is OPEN internationally.

5. Giveaway runs September 10-13, 2012

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SPARK (Elemental #2) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

SPARK (Elemental #2) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

SPARK (Elemental Series #2) by Brigid Kemmerer

SPARK is the second full-length novel (release August 28, 2012) in Brigid Kemmerer’s YA Elemental series. In a world of the supernatural Elemental families-Earth, Fire, Air and Water will fight with one another until only the most powerful survive. But the four Merrick brothers were some of the most powerful Elementals around and everyone wanted them dead. And now the guide sent to kill them all, suddenly wants a deal.

Gabriel Merrick is a fire Elemental. Struggling through school, Gabriel and his twin brother Nick often changed places to benefit Gabriel’s marks. But the quiet and shy girl in Trig class knows that Gabriel is struggling with his marks. When she offers to help, everything in Gabriel says no-but he is drawn to the young teen like a moth to flame.

Layne Forrest is the class brain. Usually quiet and withdrawn, Layne finds herself attracted to Gabriel Merrick and is willing to help him in any way she can. But Layne is hiding a secret under her dark and over-sized clothing. A secret she wanted no one to know. And she and Gabriel had something in common. But when her brother Simon had become the target of the school bullies once again, it was Gabriel who stood by his side.

Gabriel is having difficulties controlling his fire. He blames himself for the death of his parents, when in reality they were trying to protect their own children. When he calls upon the element, the result is spotty, and losing his temper will find the fire building out of control. And he is drawn to the fire-the fire speaks to him. 

Gabriel’s home life was in shambles. Fighting with his brothers became a daily occurrence to the point that Nick was no longer speaking to him. Older brother Michael was becoming suspicious of Gabriel’s friendship with Hunter, and younger brother Chris was trying hard to help. 

Layne was set up.  Finding herself in the position to have to both physically and emotionally defend herself against attack, she knew everything had gone wrong. Accusations against the Merrick’s were forcing Layne and her brother to reconsider everything about their lives. What secrets was Gabriel afraid to tell?

Layne and Gabriel’s relationship begins to build. But as the awkward geeky teen, Layne is an enigma. She hides a secret-a past that one day Gabriel will help her overcome, if only  the people who say they love her, would not keep reminding her that she is no longer perfect.

SPARK is another wonderful storyline in Brigid Kemmerer’s ELEMENTAL series. There are still plenty of stories to be told especially in the Merrick household. Each brother has an affinity to one of the elements, and behind each brother is a story waiting to be told. A fantastic addition to Brigid’s ELEMENTAL series.

READING ORDER
1. Elemental
2. Storm
3. Fearless
4. Spark
5. Spirit

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
KOBO
The Book Depository
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

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FEARLESS (Elemental #1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

FEARLESS (Elemental #1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

FEARLESS (Elemental 1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer

FEARLESS is a short e-novella (released July 31, 2012) in Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental series. Focusing on 16year old Hunter Garrity and Clare Kasten, Hunter is a Fifth Elemental. As a Fifth Elemental, Hunter is connected to all of the elements, but it also means that he is connected to the people around him. So why did Clare need to speak to him so badly?

After weeks of being harassed and pushed around, being followed home was nothing new for Hunter, but realizing that it was a girl from school was something totally different. Clare Kasten wanted something from Hunter, and he was willing to help her find it.

Clare was impressed with Hunter’s speech about the second amendment. With her brother away in the armed forces, Clare claimed she was concerned when her brother had purchased a gun before he left on deployment. Clare was both curious and fearful of guns, and was hoping that Hunter could help her overcome her anxieties about the weapons. But following an excursion of target practice, Hunter realizes that one of his father’s guns has gone missing.

Uncle Jay and Hunter’s father were both Elementals, in the practice of law enforcement. And Hunter’s desire to work along side his family was continuously pushed down when his father proclaimed that he wasn’t ready. But an ominous warning from his father, would find Hunter re-thinking whether his father was correct about the entire situation when Clare decided to take the law into her own hands.

FEARLESS is a short story-a prequel of sorts that takes a look into the life and family dynamics of Hunter Garrity before his dealings with the Merrick brothers. I am not sure where this storyline fits into the series premise except to introduce Hunter Garrity, but a look into the life of a Fifth Elemental adds a little more information about a character who matures with each successive storyline.

READING ORDER
1. Elemental
2. Storm
3. Fearless
4. Spark
5. Spirit

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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ELEMENTAL (Elemental 0.5) YA by Brigid Kemmerer- a review

ELEMENTAL (Elemental 0.5) YA by Brigid Kemmerer

ELEMENTAL by Brigid Kemmerer

ELEMENTAL is the introductory storyline in Brigid Kemmerer’s YA Elemental series. Released in March 2012, Brigid brings the reader into a world of the powerful supernatural Elementals-Earth, Fire, Air and Water. The novella is a quick read, but provides just enough information that you know you will want to read what happens next.

17 year old Emily Morgan is an air Elemental, but at present her powers are limited. Hoping to earn enough money to move to New York and try her hand at Broadway (we all have dreams) she finds a job at the local sports complex where the daily grind is slow and tedious. Until the day that Michael Merrick walks through the front door.

Michael Merrick is a powerful earth Elemental, but hiding in plain sight is difficult when the Morgan family have targeted him for death. For years, the families have been at war, despising each other’s powers and capabilities, and some how dragging the children into their ongoing aggression and struggle for control. But the day his younger brothers were attacked, he knew that he had to learn to control his Power before the Guardians elected to end his life. And finding Emily Morgan at the sports complex only added another complication, when his only means to let off ‘steam’ was now hampered by the pretty little blonde who believes that Michael wants to end her life.

Emily and Michael’s relationship is further complicated when Emily reveals to her family that Michael frequents the sports complex where she works. But the animosity between the families escalates when her brother Tyler will use any means necessary to end the life of Michael Merrick all in the name of protecting his family and his sister. When Emily finds Michael on the defensive against a group of Elementals, including her brother, Emily knows there is only one thing she can do and saving Michael is her only priority.

ELEMENTAL is a wonderful and well-written introduction to Brigid’s young adult Elemental series. I am looking forward to reading this series. My only concern is that Brigid steer clear of the usual teen angst and ‘whoa is me’ attitudes that some YA authors feel is necessary throughout their storylines and series. Here’s to a great new YA series that will surely keep the reader involved

READING ORDER
1. Elemental  e-novella (March 2012)
2. Storm (April 2012) 
3. Fearless e-novella (July 31, 2012)
4. Spark (August 2012)
5. Spirit (May 2013)

Reviewed by Sandy

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