ARC Review (YA): Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret (Elemental #4)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher: Kensington Books

Source: Publisher at NetGalley

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spoil Free Review:

 

Brigid Kemmerer knocked it out of the ball bark with Secret. A page turner and unpredictable.

 

I was excited and curious to see how Brigid Kemmerer wrote a m/m relationship especially with Nick  not sure about his sexuality and coming out. Then with Adam who is opened about his sexuality. Brigid Kemmerer writing skills shined in the m/m department. I felt every emotion between Nick and Adam as individuals and as a couple. Each new novel in the Elemental series is getting hotter and hotter. There were a few times I was anxious but at the same time eager  to swipe my kindle, because I had no idea how far Brigid was going to go in the bedroom department. Nick and Adams chemistry was off the charts hot and sweet. The caressing, the kissing was well written and loved every minute of it. I was a bit shocked after reading Breathless (Elemental 2.5) that in Secret Adam was not as aggressive, but considering his past I understand. Who would of thought Nick would be the aggressive one.

I am finding with each new novel the brothers are more intense and distant with each other. I am loving this direction  and fits great with each brothers story but I will admit I am missing the fun banter between all brothers. I loved how all brothers found out about Nick sexuality and how they all reacted. Their finding out was nicely paced through out the novel.

I liked Quinn in the beginning but then she started to annoy me. But once her storyline took a different route she was not as bad. I get she has a terrible home life with her mom and brother but her reactions towards Becca her best friend was uncalled for. I felt she took it over the top.

Aside from loving Nick and Adam storyline I was so flipping nervous about Tyler having some serious book time. I thought his side story added so much to the novel and flowed in with the plot, never  taking away from Nick and Adam. Brigid Kemmerer for sure had me on the edge of my seat with his scenes that I could not wait to read more about him, because I had no clue how is storyline would play out. Is he the bad Tyler from earlier novels or a good guy after all? Loved the layers with his character because at one point readers finally find out if he is bad or good.  No worries will not spoil it for you. I think it is best to not know what is going on with him going into Secret.  

Secret to date is my favorite Elemental novel. Now I am ready for Michaels story in Sacrifice (Elemental #5) coming  September 2014.

ARC provided by publisher, Kensington Books at NetGalley for an honest review.

I had a blast as always buddy reading with TBQ's Book Palace. Love ya babe and loving more that we are still on the same page when it comes to our Merrick brothers.  Curious on her thoughts of Secret check out her review.

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Fallen For Covers: #24 Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Fallen For Covers is a Meme hosted on Mondays by Wickedly Delicious Book Blog. This Meme is to show off Young Adult and New Adult covers you have Fallen For. It can be new, old or not release yet. Please only post YA/NA covers. If have an adult cover you will love to show off head on over to TBQ's Book Palace on Sundays and partake in Lusting For Covers Meme. To join Fallen For Covers please follow the linky at bottom of post.

How to join:

• Make a separate post for the Fallen For Covers Meme on your blog.
• Copy the button above or place your own (as long as you link back to Wickedly Delicious Book Blog) on top of your post.
• Pick your Fallen For Covers candidate with a new, old, a reprint or not out yet book. Give a reason for your pick.
• Place your name and blog title in the linky below, as well as the URL for a direct link to the post.
• Visit other blogs on the list and make some new friends.

Secret (Elemental #4)

by Brigid Kemmerer

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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?

Thoughts:
Love Nick's cover in the Elemental Series. All the other covers just have the hero, but since Quinn the heroine plays a big role in Nick's story Secret I find his cover with the both of them fitting his story perfect. Brigid Kemmerer Elemental series deals with real life Teenage situations and look forward to see how she does with Nicks little secret. If you read his short novella Breathless #2.5  introducing readers to Nick's secret than you know what it will be about. I look forward to see how deals with his secret and how his family is going to act when they find out.

ARC Review YA: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Spirit (Elemental #3)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Purchase Links: Amazon  Barnes & Noble

Blurb by Goodreads

With power comes enemies. Lots of them.

Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He's learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can't seem to afford any allies.

He's up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.

Then there's Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She's not hostile. She's bold. Funny. Hot. But she's got an agenda, too.

With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he'll have to find someone he can trust.

 

 

 

 

 

My poor Hunter, I wanted to crawl inside the novel and let him know everything will be OK. He has so much guilt for his father and uncle’s death. There was a nice surprise about his father I did not see coming. He pushes everybody away that tries to get close. He finally lets someone in a little and he does not know if he really can trust her. He does not know where he stands with the Merrick brothers, are they really helping him out with an incident that happened with his grandfather or do they still see him as the enemy and trying to keep their enemy closer.

 

With each new novel I am falling more for Michael. I loved what he did for Hunter and he treats him like one of his brothers. He has no problem keeping him in line.

 

Hunter and Gabriel have been my favorite since the beginning of the Elemental series. They began a friendship in Spark (Gabriel’s story) but then there was a incident that left their friendship on the rocks. In Spirit they have a love/hate friendship. These two are a hoot together.

 

There is a heart broken incident that I did not see coming and could not believe it happened. But that is what makes The Elemental series great, I never know where it is going at. Brigid Kemmerer is a master story teller that is always surprising me with each new novel.

 

ARC provided by publisher, Kensington Books at NetGalley for an honest review.

 

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Swoon: Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Swoon is a meme featured on Thursdays by YA Bound. From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering

Loved Breathless. Check out my review if interested in seeing what I thought.

Breathless (Elemental #2.5)

by Brigid Kemmerer

  

Nick was distantly aware of the bag of ice hitting the floor. Then Adam was kissing him back, drawing at Nick's tongue with his own. He had a hand behind Nick's neck, stroking the hair there and Nick wished he could freeze this exact moment.

 

Oh, and the next moment, when Adam bit at Nick's lip.

 

And the moment after that, when Nick stroked a hand up Adam's neck, finding the first start of stubble across his jaw.

 

It  was like every thought he'd every blocked, every fantasy he'd ever refused to acknowledge, was blasting through his brain all at once with the force of a hurricane.

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Sale!! $8.99 $1.99

Got Storm (Elemental #2.5) on your wish list. Now is the time to grab your copy at Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Hurry sale ends 5/21/13

 



Book Bargains: SALE!! $1.99 Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

 

SALE!! $8.99 $1.99

Hurry grab your copy now, deal ends 5/21/13

Hello Lovelies! Had Storm on your wish list well now is the time to get your copy. Here is your chance to get Storm on sale at Amazon or Barnes & Noble. Loving the Elemental series by Brigid Kemmerer. A must read series with the 4 "HAWT" Merrick brothers and The Mysterious Hunter who I am still trying to figure his motive out.

Storm (Elemental #1)

by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Blurb buy Goodreads

 

 

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they have more power than you dream.
Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming . . .

ARC Review YA: Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Breathless (Elemental #2.5)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Publisher:  Kensington Books

Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

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.

 

One of the things I love about Brigid Kemmerer Elemental series is that she writes about characters with everyday real life issues. Kudos and a huge Thank You to Brigid Kemmerer for having a teen hero dealing with his sexuality.

 

Nick has never had a problem getting a girlfriend and is quite the ladies man, but the spark is not there when he kisses or touches a girl. He meets his girlfriends dance partner Adam who pushes him over the edge with dealing with his sexuality which he thought he had buried.

 

Adam knows what he wants and it is Nick. Loved Adams character and thought he is a perfect match for Nick. He is pushy and that is what Nick needed to bring out his sexuality. They have great chemistry and their kiss will get your heart pounding and stomach all tingly.

 

Quinn has serious family issues. Her mother is mean to her and makes is clear she favors Quinn’s older brother. Her brother is just as mean always making comments about her weight. The only way she knows to deal with her anger is getting mouthy with others and she finds comfort with food. She never thinks before she does anything which can lead her in a bad situation.

 

Brigid Kemmerer fans you are not going to want to miss this addition in the Elemental series. Breathless was a nice little set up for what is in store for Nick’s story in Secret (Elemental #4), Jan. 28, 2014. I have a feeling it is going to be an intense read with Nick trying to hide his sexuality from his brothers and Quinn doing crazy stuff before thinking. I can not wait to see how it all plays out.

 

ARC provided by publisher, Kensington Books at NetGalley for an honest review.

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YA Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark (Elemental #2)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Purchase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

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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Swoon: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Swoon is a meme featured on Thursdays by YA Bound. From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

I am a sucker for any kind of hair grabbing. Was crushing on Gabriel in Storm (Elemental #1). Crushing on Gabriel more in his story. He is for sure a swoon worthy hero. Especially when it came to protecting Layne and her brother Simon.

Spark (Elemental #2)

by Brigid Kemmerer

 

His hand slid up her arms to find her face, his fingers tangling in her hair. His kiss grew more insistent, parting her lips. At the first brush of his tongue, she gasped and knew her knees were going to give out.

 

Kindle 2946 - 55%

 

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YA Review: Fearless by Brigid Kemmerer

Fearless (Elemental #1.5)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Purchase links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

 

Blurb by Goodreads

 

Being a force of nature doesn’t keep you safe.

Hunter Garrity is used to watching his back. The kids at school sense something different about him. And they’re right.

Hunter has powers that have nothing to do with how hard he can throw a punch.

Maybe that’s what Clare Kasten is picking up. She’s shy, quiet, and intense, but she’s sought him out. There’s no telling what she wants from him.

But Hunter knows enough to sense a secret when it’s close. And getting close to Clare is a danger he’s ready to face…

 

I am a fan of the sexy mysterious Hunter in Storm (Elemental #1). Fearless is a super short, easy to read in no time novel about how Hunter became the way he is and what led him to The Merrick brothers in Storm (Elemental #1). He is younger in Fearless and clueless about girls. It was a treat to see him before he became the sexy, mysterious, tattoo, piercing and Goth, Punk, New age style hero who I fell head over heals for in Storm. Even though he is not the main hero in Storm he was for sure the one that got my heart pounding with his flirting with Becca. I enjoyed the moments with his dad, uncle and of course Casper his uncle cop dog.
 

 

YA Review: Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer

Elemental (Elemental #0.5)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Purchase Links:  Amazon Barnes & Noble

Goodreads

Blurb:

Earth, Fire, Air, Water – they are more than you dream.

As an air Elemental, 17-year-old Emily Morgan doesn’t have much power. That’s okay—she knows what happens to kids who do.

Like Michael Merrick. He’s an earth Elemental, one with enough power to level cities. Which makes him sexy. Dangerous. And completely off limits. At least according to Emily’s family.

But her summer job puts her in close contact with Michael, and neither of them can help the attraction they feel. When forces of nature like theirs collide, one misstep could get someone killed. Because Emily’s family doesn’t just want her to stay away from him.

They want him dead.

 

 

I have been wanted to read Storm and thought I would start with Elemental since I have not read this series. I liked Elemental and love the Romeo and Juliet theme with enemies falling in love.

When Michael and Emily first meet it was not on good terms. She wanted to beat him over the head with a golf club.

He leaned in. “I come here every Wednesday and Friday.”
Emily Nodded.
“You going to try and kill me every time?”

Michael is dangerous with his power, if he loses control he can be sent away. There is a mix up with him and Emily’s brother. Emily soon realizes he is not as bad as her brother and parents make him out to be. He is actually sweet, caring and just trying to live a normal life.

I wanted to know more about how they got their powers. There is no back story on how these bad guys can come and take him away.

I enjoyed reading about Michael and Emily. I wish there was more to their story. The ending left me wanting to know how they would of kept there relationship going with both parents as enemies. I did get to read the first chapter in Storm at the end and off course it left me wanting more. I had to buy it. Brigid Kemmerer has a great writing voice. The characters felt real. I look forward to reading about the rest of the brothers.

 

 



YA Review: Storm (Elemental #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm (Elemental #1)

by Brigid Kemmerer

Purhcase Links: Amazon Barnes & Noble

E-book 432 pages

Goodreads

Blurb:

Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys all the ones she doesn't want. Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They're powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming.

 

 

Storm starts off with a bang and never stops. Even though this a YA paranormal romance the characters are alive, jump off the pages with real life issues that people deal with on a daily basis, just add in some heroes with elemental powers.

Chris the hero is just trying to live a normal teenage life going to school, do the everyday normal teenage stuff, but at the same time keep his elemental power under control. Everything changes when Becca, a girl from his high school saves him from getting his butt kicked to death by two older boys who know what he is and want him to lose control so the others will come and kill him. Because of this, now Becca is part of this war going on with the other boys and this leaves Chris hot and cold. He starts to like her but knows she can not be with him because of her safety. I enjoyed Chris’s character he is the more quite of the brothers.

Now Hunter the mysterious new kid in school is yummy with his tattoo, piercing and Goth, Punk, New age style. He seems to always be there rescuing Becca from the other bad boys and always has his retired police dog, Casper with him outside of school. He shows interest in Becca and can be a bit jealous and protective of her. Loved it when Hunter and Becca are together they are fun and normal. The first time he rescues her from the other bad boys in the pet store she works out is a cute scene that got me all tingly in the stomach. They talk about how he can meet girls by his dog rescuing them.

“Who would, you think?”

“Softball team,” she said without missing a beat “Those chicks are tough.”

He grinned. “Thanks for the tip.” He started to turn for the front of the store, then stopped. “You play softball?”

Becca is a strong will heroine who not only has to deal with her dad coming back into her life after leaving her and her mom, nasty rumors going on in school from a boy who she thought she liked at one time but now they are people trying to hurt her because of the war with the Merrick brothers and the bad boys. She is not your wimpy heroine in distress. She can throw a killer punch.

　

What I loved most about Storm, is that it’s not just about Chris, Hunter and Becca’s love triangle. There is so much more going on with the Hot Merrick brothers. They all have a their own personality. Gabriel and Nick the twins are the smartasses, more so with Gabriel, who I just adored, loved every scene he is in and look forward to his story. Michael is the serious oldest brother who has so much on his plate. There is a reason he is this way, as he has to protect and care for his younger brothers since the death of their parents. Never a dull moment when the brothers are together, they had me giggling a lot through out the book. Here are some of my giggling moments.

　

Chris and Gabriel getting in trouble for getting back at the boys that beat up Chris.

“Boo hoo,” said Gabriel. That smile was gone.

Michael glanced over at him. “What were you thinking?” When he didn’t get an answer, he reached over and smacked Gabriel on the back of the head.

Becca asking Nick “You do his homework?”

“Just the math. It’s a miracle he can count to ten.”

“I can count to one.” Gabriel gave him the finger.

Chris needing Nick to get his arm to bleed:

“Nick,” he said. “I think I’m going to need you to bite my arm.”

“I think I’m going to need you to run that by me again.”

　

As I was reading Storm I kept thinking to my self who is this new kid, what happened to the Merrick brothers parents, what happened to Becca with the boy she liked at one time that started those bad rumors about her, why did her dad leave, what happened to Michael and Emily and why are these older bad boys so desperate to have the others come and kill them. Brigid Kemmerer did a phenomenal job at little by little giving away to details through out the book on everything I wanted to know. She did not leave anything out. Not only did I find out everything I wanted to know, but surprises came that I never saw coming towards the end of the book. Wow! I could not turn my e-reader fast enough, stayed up late as I had to finish to see what was going to happen next. Oh my gosh no one seems to be who I thought they were. The ending was perfect and I am still shocked by the outcome and look forward to continue this series.

I highly recommend Storm as it will have you wanting more with Brigid Kemmerer amazing writing style, sweet romance, kick butt action scenes and definitely the hot Merrick brothers.

　

If you are new to this series start with Storm. Do not make the mistake I did and started with Elemental (Elemental #05). Elemental will make more sense if read it second.



Swoon: Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

 

Swoon is a meme featured on Thursdays by YA Bound. From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

I seem to always fall for the other hero. In this case it was not Chris that got my attention, but it was Hunter the mysterious new guy in school with his yummy tattoos and piercings. Hunter got my heart pounding, skin tingling and stomach fluttering when ever he was with Becca. Sorry lovelies this is all the swoon you get. You really need to read the book to see what happens next. Awesome series not to be missed with all swoon worthy and HAWT brothers

He did anyway, releasing her wrist so his hands could touch her face. He traced the shape of her eyes, the arch of her cheekbone, the line of her jaw. His touch was light, reverent almost.

Is this okay? he said.

Her traitorous body warmed to his voice, seeking his touch. She opened her eyes. "I'm not broken."

"Liar."

"I'm not." But it sounded halfhearted, even to her.

"I'd be more inclined to believe you"-Hunter's head moved close, until his lips brushed her cheek while he spoke-"if you'd give me a straight answer."

"It's okay." She wet her lips, feeling lighthearted. "It's okay-you touching me."

He traced a thumb across the edge of her mouth, and she felt him smile against her cheek. "Just okay?"

"Why? She said carefully, because teasing felt precarious. "You think you can do better?"

He leaned down and brushed his lips against hers, just for a heartbeat, maybe a moment more....