YA Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental #2)

by Brigid Kemmerer

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Blurb by Goodreads

 

Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally. Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can't. Gabriel has always had his brothers to rely on, especially his twin, Nick. But when an arsonist starts wreaking havoc on their town, all the signs point to Gabriel. Only he's not doing it. And no one seems to believe him. Except a shy sophomore named Layne, a brainiac who dresses in turtlenecks and jeans and keeps him totally off balance. Because Layne has a few secrets of her own...

 

 

 

 

Gabriel had me crushing on him in Storm (Elemental #1) with his smart mouth. Fell head over heals for him in his story Spark. He had me eating at the palms of his hands the first time he stepped in to protect Layne’s younger brother Simon who is deaf and was getting picked on by some class mates. He instantly became a swoon worthy hero in my eyes. Gabriel has built this wall and anytime anybody gets close to figuring him out he becomes a smart mouth which leads to some bumpy times with him, Michael his older brother and Layne. Gabriel is having issues with his brothers, school and his element. He has always been close and able to talk to his twin Nick, but lately they are at each others throat. Wow does this leave for some intense moments. He is well known in school but realizes he really does not have any true friends. The one person he never thought he would become friends with is Hunter. He also never thought he would end up being friends with Layne.

 

Layne is the quiet type in school but she has got some spunk. She never backs down when someone is being mean to her brother, she has no problem going head to head with Gabriel especially when he is being a smart mouth. She is also having issues with her family. Her mom left them and when she tries to be a part of Layne’s life she is an ungrateful woman. Her father I could not stand in the beginning especially when he refuses to use ASL with Simon. Loved him towards the end as he redeems himself.

 

Loved Layne and Gabriel friendship turn into a relationship and she sees the good in him. When they start falling for each other sparks are flying. Love how he becomes protective of her. Gabriel has no problem kicking some butt or telling anyone off when it comes to Layne, even her father. Some of the smart mouth remarks he makes to her dad left me in shock just as much as it left Layne in shock. The basketball scene with Layne, Simon, Gabriel and Michael was the best. OMG I was on the edge of my seat. Between Michael and Gabriel, I did not know if and who was going to kick her dads butt. Loved how Michael became a protective parent.

 

Loved seeing more of Michael and hearing him open up to Gabriel about his feelings on their parents death, what he went through mentally with having the responsibility to raise his brothers. Trying to keep them out of trouble so social services do not take them away from him. Loved how Michael might be getting a HEA. Hope he will eventually get his own story. If the brothers do not cool it, poor Michael is going to have a heart attack. Love how they get him so riled up.

 

What I love most about the Elemental series is that the characters deal with real life issues, with a mix of Paranormal. The characters feel so real that you feel their pain and happiness. Spark had a nice twist I never seen coming. It does not end in a cliffhanger but with the little surprise thrown in there that has me itching to read Hunter’s story in Spirit.

 

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