Anna Bobs Her Hair - Silent Reader, Talking Books

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 honestand 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.