Waiting On Wednesday! Secret, Secret, Come Out Now!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

I decided to add a random fact about myself before everyone of my post, so you, my wonderful friends, can learn more about me. 

Today's!

My favorite food to buy at a sushi restaurant- pad thai! Yep, I do not like the taste of sushi. Yet, I do like the taste of peanuts, egg and delicious noodles. The best pad thai I ever had was at this restaurant called Raku in Dupont Circle, Washington D.C. 

Now for Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and is a wonderful way to share books you are waiting on and add books to your TBR list!

This week I'm waiting on...

Synopsis:

Nowhere is safe. Not even home…

Nick Merrick is stretched to the breaking point.

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

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

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

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

Nick Merrick, can you keep it together?

Why Oh Why?

I was spinning on a ferris wheel while I was trying to think of another story. But none other books come to mind. Sure, their are plenty I am excited for, but this is the only book I am obsessively waiting for and wish I could read right now. 

This book has three main characters I already love (Nick, Quinn and Adam) and one I cannot wait to see him in a not vile way. Anti-heros are the best characters in my books, especially the ones who learn to break away from prior views. 

Thanks for reading!

Beautiful Cover Reveal: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Hi Fellow Readers!

A hard waiting period is occurring in my life. 

After becoming enchanted by the novella Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer that introduces the fierce but not the Gabriel-like-headstrong Adam and the first time of experiencing the minds of Quinn's and Nick, I know I am beyond eager to read this book. 

Today is a happy day. 

Since, finally everyone can see a beautiful cover for Secret by Brigid Kemmerer. I am thrilled that both of Nick's stories have my favorite covers. The one for Secret is absolutely unique and utterly lovely.

Book Info:

Publisher: Kensington Books 

Publication Date: January 28, 2014

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First Secret's Synopsis:

Nowhere is safe. Not even home…

Nick Merrick is stretched to the breaking point.

Keep his grades sky-high or he’ll never escape his hometown.

Keep his brother’s business going or the Merricks will be out on the street.

Keep the secret of where he’s going in the evenings from his own twin—or he’ll lose his family.

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

Of course there’s also the homicidal freak Quinn has taken to hanging around, and the Elemental Guide counting the hours until he can try again to kill the Merrick brothers. There’s a storm coming. From all sides. And then some.

Nick Merrick, can you keep it together?

The Lovely Cover:

My Thoughts:

I personally never cared for the previous three US covers for the series's books, which had four boys standing in front of a color background with a little cloudy movement. I did adore the Breathless cover because the shade of blue on it was gorgeous.

Now I am ecstatic with the choice to have Secret's cover with both Nick and Quinn. Before a beautiful and majestic tree and stream no less. I like the small bit of red flowers near the left corner. The yellow color of "Secret" creates a sweet contrast to the blue. I just love looking at this cover; it is pleasant to my eyes.   

About the author: 

Brigid Kemmerer is the author of The Elemental Series, about a family of four brothers who control the elements, and their battle with those who want them dead. Storm, Spark, and Spirit are available now wherever books are sold. To read the novella introducing Nick’s story, be sure to check out Breathless (http://www.brigidkemmerer.com/books/elemental-novellas/breathless/)

 available as an e-book only from major e-book retailers. You can learn more about Brigid and the Elemental boys at www.brigidkemmerer.com. 

Thanks for reading!

Blog Tour: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer Review!

Hello Everyone!

Today I am enthusiastic to participate in the blog tour for Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer!
 I shall be sharing my review, the action-packed first chapter and an important poll.
This tour was organized by Wendy at The Midnight Garden. 
The introduction post can be found here! There is the list of all the review stops, the interviews and excerpt stops!

The wonderful Elemental Virgin Button!

Become excited with Spirit's first chapter!

Just Click Here!

Become ecstatic with reading the first novella of the series, Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer, featuring Michael and Emily.

Here is the link.

The promo code is VCARD and you can use this code till May 31st. 

Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer
Publication Date: May 28th, 2013
Publisher: Kennsington Publishing 
Source: Netgalley from publisher. (Thanks!)
Rating: 4/5 STARS FOR AMAZEMENT 
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My review

Spirit and I did not start out the right way. By “the right way” I mean I started it longing for Nick/Quinn’s book (Secret!) and that one is after Spirit, coming out in January. I still felt the want the latest time I re-read Spirit, two days ago, when I wondered what Nick and Quinn (and Adam) were up to when Hunter could spot Layne, Gabriel, Simon, Becca and Chris in a scene, and Nick and Quinn were elsewhere. Hmm, were they meeting up with Adam?

Anyways, eventually, I grew to appreciate Spirit. It is a work of quality. The writing is amazing. There are so many characters that I love for many different reasons. The quick nod to Nick and Quinn’s friendship was superb. The plot is full of shocking surprises. There is a profound depth of understanding and portraying true teenagers.

Spirit is the third book in a currently five book series about the four Merrick brothers and a fifth boy who is related to them through friendship, bad first-intentions and the power of full element control. All five boys can control the elements. The oldest brother, Michael, controls earth and has a humongous burden on his shoulders to lead his brothers because their parent’s died years prior due to a fire. There is Gabriel, the headstrong one, who can control fire. Layne is Gabriel’s studious girlfriend and Simon is her brother. Gabriel’s twin Nick, who has a hidden fire I love and is my favorite brother, who can control air. The youngest, Chris, can control water. Becca is his girlfriend and she can control all five elements (Air, Earth, Fire, Water and Spirit). 

Hunter is the protagonist of Spirit. His father and uncle are Guides. Guides are people who can control all five elements. Guides have a mission to kill any full element, meaning any person who has a complete and powerful control of an element. Before the series began, Hunter’s father and uncle were died by natural event and Hunter blames himself for their death because he begged to come on his father’s job trip to confront the Merricks, leading to the delayed traveling time, causing his father’s and uncle’s death. 

Why did I rate this book Four Stars of Amazement?

Amazement for a poignant scene! There is a splendid scene in Spirit between Hunter, his mother and his grandfather. I adore the gun imagery throughout the scene, including “His grandfather’s eyes were like steel, solid and unwavering.” Pg. 46 of my ARC. This scene left me amazed. It was sad. It was real. It was just indescribably one of the best scenes I ever read.

Amazement for Michael! He is so influential to everyone in this series! Michael’s a character who can do anything he sets his mind to. He knows how the world works and provides advice freely and attentively. I was completely amazed at the connection Michael and Hunter formed in this book. Michael is someone who is completely trustworthy. I just wished Hunter realized that through the book. 

Amazement for the book’s surprises! The revelations told on Kate’s history. What happened to a certain character. This book is the first book the Elemental series that left me shocked by the secrets that were revealed. I love them all, but I never was surprised before and I am thankful for the glee I felt becoming surprised while reading Spirit.

Amazement for all the characters! I love the brotherly aggression between Hunter and Gabriel. Every Nick scene made me smile. I am ecstatic that he had so many good scenes. I love the dramatic irony of Hunter being jealous of the Nick and Kate talking. Kate is so funny; I love her starey faces o_o

Hunter’s flaw of never trusting anyone was aggravating at times, but all his seclusion, all his anger made sense after everything he gone through. His lost of his father and uncle, and a gained a sadden mother and uncaring grandparents. Hunter is a tense boy, full of emotion. It is easy to care about him and wish he just realize that life does not need to be a solo journey. 

“The next day…”

Spirit was an amazing story. I admired how wonderfully it was written, the amazing characters, the lovely surprises, the action sequences, the remarks of dog actions (Go Casper!) and the sense of family.

I hope you take a chance on the Elemental series. It is a series you do not, I repeat, do not want to miss out on.

“You are brothers.”

My Past Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer Mentions:

Storm Review- Casper at his finest!

Element Discussion Post- Air, why can’t I control you?

Spark Review- How could I have once strongly disliked Gabriel?

Breathless Review and Author Interview- As scrumptious as a hot fudge ice cream sundae!

Sidenote-

Thanks again Wendy for allowing me to be a review stop on this tour.

Remember that all quotes are subject to change in the final published version of Spirit.

“The next day, you are brothers.” is my favorite line from Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer. It is on page 299 of my ARC

Now check out all the stops of the Spirit blog tour and buy Spirit tomorrow!

Thanks for reading!

Also, here's a poll where you can vote for the boy you want Brigid to write a short story about! 

Happy Nickquinnemmeradam Day!

Well today is a very Nickquinnemmeradamian day!

Today is a day to celebrate the special and awesome characters Nick, Quinn and Adam.

After all, they are the main characters in the novella Breathless by the magnificent Brigid Kemmerer that is released today!

And I have a cover love, review and interview for you to celebrate!  

Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Publication Date: Today! April 30th, 2013

Publisher: Kensington Publishing 

Source: NetGalley from Publisher

Rating: 6/5 REREADABLE STARS

Add To GoodReads! 

First, bravo cover designer and Nick model!!!!!!! I absolutely possitively love this incredible cover! I love Nick's stance, the beautiful blue color blended with darker blue signalling air movements. An amazing creation!

My Review:

“His thoughts felt stuck on a spinning roulette wheel, bouncing along, never settling where he expected, leaving him half-hoping it would keep spinning — and half hoping it would stop.” Pg. 22 of my ARC of Breathless.

Gosh, Breathless comprised of 53 or so pages that left me in awe.

The writing was phenomenal. The writing was full of many amazing similes like the one above and splendid prose.

The story delightful since it was full of self-discovery and even had a little action with Matt’s creepy friend. While reading, I felt so many moments of exited laughter as I admired the language, the characters, and the incorporation of elements. Everything.

Really, the only complaint I’m left with is the classical it is too short.

For the first time in my re-reading history, I wanted to experience this wonderful story again as soon as I finished it the first time. Usually I wait at least a day to re-read anything. I did not re-read it because it was novella, but because it was wonderful. Reading it supplies the same feeling I receive as I eat a hot fudge sundae, loving every bite of bittersweet chocolate colliding with cool ice cream, never wanting the sweet taste to leave my mouth.

What was it that caused this novella to be rereadable and special to me the most? Well, it was the three main characters. Quinn, Adam, and Nick, are characters that leave so much room open up for exploring. Room to explore their feelings, mistakes, and histories, basically everything that makes a character real.

Character Explorations:

Quinn

Quinn was my favorite character in Storm. I completely adored Quinn as she constantly revealed how much she cared for her best friend Becca through standing by her side and her no-nonsense personality. I love how she was blunt. Sweet when desired.

Quinn was different in some ways in Breathless. She was still blunt, but seeing her home life revealed the insecure nature that she hid in Storm. She battle’s loneliness that I understand since I feel it sometimes. Quinn has a dismal home life and the way she reacted to it was not admirable. But it did show that she was a real person, as she was affected by others opinions of her. 

I love her fierce nature, her open-mindedness, her caring nature that she tries to hide, her humor, and her ability to adapt quickly to surprise.

Adam

Breathless is the first appearance of Adam. Adam has potential to be as interesting a character as Quinn and Nick. Quinn shared his interesting back-story where he could have reacted with vengeance. Instead, he moved forward, to work on accomplishing his dancing dream. This short story introduces a funny guy, who is proud of his identity, exuberant in nature, and understands the importance of letting others make their own choices.

I am eager to understand him further in Siege. (The full Nick/Quinn book)

Nick 

When I read Spark, I found Nick as the best and greatest character. My favorite scene in Spark was when he and Gabriel fought because of every line spoken by Nick.

I feel that I have not truly understood Nick as fully as I do now.

His appearance is one of perfection. His interior is compassion rising with confusion. From the first moment in Breathless, Nick mind is in disarray. It unfolds in discovery. Stiffens with indecision.

I am hooked to Nick’s mind with wonderment. A point of view I will never forget. Like water in a sea, I am bubbling with energy to lean more into his mind.

What makes Nick unique among his brothers is that he is the one who is suppose to have everything together. He is the one the others go to when they have a problem. This situation results with how Nick is keeping his worries in his head, is hiding his hidden fire, and is pushing others to reach their calming point, while not being a saint. Yes, Nick encompasses how you do not have to be self-sacrificing to be empathetic. Yes, Nick tries to controls his feelings and usually he does that well. Yes, Nick's empathetic nature is what I love most about him. 

Will Nick loosen his control and take a chance in Breathless? 

Find out in a moment of being Breathless.

An interview with the awesome Brigid Kemmerer! 
Thanks again for letting me interview you Brigid!

1. How has your writing process changed since writing Storm?

Well, before you sell books to a publisher, you're kind of on your own schedule. You want to write on Friday night, you do it. You want to take three days off, no one cares. Once you signed a contract, you need to put your butt in the chair and your hands on the keyboard. Writing Hunter's book was extremely difficult for me, and I wanted to walk way from it numerous times, but I knew I had to deliver a finished product. Normally I can write straight through a book, with with this, I started and abandoned numerous scenes. I do think I'm better at tight plotting now than I was in the beginning. I also let myself take more risks. When I started writing Storm, I never thought I'd pull of a scene with two guys making out. When I wrote Breathless, I couldn't imagine leaving that out! (And in Siege -- the working title for NIck's book -- I push the envelope even further!)  

I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens next between Adam and Nick!

2. What is a mundane but exciting event in your life that you would like to share? Like the rat story on your blog awhile back. (Check out the story HERE!)

The rat story is a good one! 

My life is pretty mundane. I tell people I write fantasy to make it more exciting. Actually, here's a funny story that I might have told at the last book signing. When I was researching firefighting and arson, I met with the local fire chief several times and I would email him random questions ALL the time. He had great stories, and my husband got sick of me saying, "The fire chief said ..." ANYWAY, when I got my author copies of Spark, I immediately took one to the fire house to give it to him. Of course, I took a picture of him holding it. When I brought the pics home, I posted them on Facebook, and my husband took one look at the 30-something muscled fireman in my picture and said, "THAT'S the fire chief? All this time, I thought you were chatting and emailing with a fifty-year old fat guy!"

3. Did you do any reasearch while writing Breathless? What did you do?

I've been reading as many M/M YA stories I can get my hands on. One of the best is Don't Let Me Go by J.H. Trumble (We've became friends since I reached out after reading her book.) I've also talked to as many gay men (and young men) who would talk to me. So many varied experiences! And finally, I'm not going to lie, I searched YouTube videos of boys kissing. I wanted to get the dynamics right. 

Favorite Section!

  

Fairytale:

My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast. Hands down.

Dream Vacation:

Dream vacation? Probably somewhere warm, but not the beach. I get bored on the beach. I like to explore.

Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:

Don't like ice cream. It's cold. I'd rather eat popcorn and french fries any day. 

Books You Love:

Books I love? Do you have an hour? Last book that knocked my socks off (seriously) was Hushed by Kelley York. It's amazing. I like books that get right to the point and don't mess around, without a lot of flowery writing. Hushed is a thriller and it's M/M (though the romance really takes a back seat to the action), and it's just ... Rachel, you need to read it. The main character was terrifying and tragic and I just wanted to give him a hug and make him a sandwich. 

Thanks for reading!