Review: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret by Brigid Kemmerer
Publisher- Kensington Teen
Released- Jan 28th 2014
Pre-Order- Amazon / B & N

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

My Thoughts:
Secret, is the forth Elemental story and is told in Nick and Quinn’s perspective. I loved how easily Kemmerer entwined their stories together, witnessing the different struggles that these characters are facing and how they go about dealing with it. Nick’s story is more of a journey that he needs to take but fears at the same time. Acceptance is a scary word when you have a house full of brothers and Nick doesn't want to lose them. While Gabriel is complex, bad tempered and troubled, Nick is the good twin, kind and sweet but he’s also tormented by the secrets that are weighting him heavily down. Nick might finally know who is, but he’s scared to let everyone know it too. He’s torn between what he is and what his family will think. With that constant struggles also comes with the added pressures of the Guide who wants his family dead, school, the business and wielding elements they can’t always control. While Quinn is dealing with a very unstable family life and rather play the illusion as Nick’s girlfriend then deal with more rejection and turns to someone unexpectedly for comfort.

Wow, Kemmerer does not disappoint! While I love all the books in this series, I’d have to say this is my new favorite of the four. Secret, is the prefect name for this novel, since that’s exactly what this book is laced with, lots and lots of secrets. But when you’re holding something too tightly, eventually you have to let go and with it comes the fears and hopes of the outcome that will inevitable follow. I have to give high props to Kemmerer for writing this book and not shying away from hard subject matters like; self-discovery, sexuality and abuse. Kemmerer moves this story with gentleness and determination, carefully and cautiously going through each layered emotion and tender and terrifying moments. Secret may be the least action packed out of the series, but it’s also the most emotionally charged. And while I missed the trademark Merrick brother banter, this story still had enough laugh out moments, fun filled banter and sarcasm that made those heavy moments light and fun filled. I think that’s what I love about these books the most. They are just wonderfully addicting, fun, entertaining solid reads that have real characters with real problems who also just happen to have kickass powers that influence the elements as well, making each book standout in both action and heart.

Nick Merrick broke my heart in a million different pieces. His feelings throughout this novel were both so beautiful and painful to endure. I could really feel the agonizing emotions going through his mind and wanting to start a new life with new feelings and explore those moments freely without regret or doubts. I'm proud of a Nick for owning up to who he is but I could also understand his genuine paralyzing fear confessing his secrets to his brothers who may have their own issues but have always been solid and caring and close like a family should be. I can also see why it was so difficult to admit his secrets to his best friend and twin, Gabriel since they have a deeper connection then the rest of the boys. Gabriel has never made it easy on the readers to really fall heads over heals for him -a perfect example in this book-but when push comes to shove, Gabriel is still someone I’d want by side no matter what. 

Nick’s thoughts and feeling for Adam is really so adorable. I never really thought of Nick as an insecure guy, but when real feelings are behind real emotions it’s a whole new story. 

The relationship between Nick and Adam was tastefully done, but it was also pretty dame sexy and romantic. Kemmerer doesn't back down from the hot, heavy and intense and I was surprised by how far she took the intimacy. I loved every minute of it.

~Adam is an amazing character who is patient and kind and understands what Nick is going through. He has his own sad story and my heart broke even more hearing it, but it’s what made him stronger and comfortable enough to help Nick deal with his new found lifestyle. 

~I have very mixed feelings for Quinn and thought she was kinda all over the place. Most of the time she’s great, supportive and funny and I understand and sympathize with her horrific family life and that she’s tired of being lied to and used. But a lot of her decisions left a funny taste in my mouth since it tasted a whole lot like betrayal. She felt like such a hypocrite, tired and pissed off with everyone's secrets and yet she has enough of her own. 

~Then we have Tyler and in all honesty, I’m not sure how I feel about him. There is a lot of history and hatred between him and the Merrick boys and I’m not sure a couple good turns deserve redemption for all the crap he’s pulled. I guess I’ll have to see how I feel about him in the next book.

All in all, another Kemmerer hit! I love me these Merrick boys and I couldn't love a book more. Kemmerer is a fantastic storyteller who gives real depth to her characters who are easy to connect with, amazingly put together and extremely likable. Part contemporary, part paranormal and hundred percent consuming and addicting. Fans of this series will want this for gem for their must have collection. I can’t wait till the next installment and Michael's full length novel, Sacrifice!

Find the author:

Goodreads / Website                               4.5 snowflakes