Review: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer (#Ad)

I received this eProof for free from Bloomsbury YA via NetGalley for the purposes of providing an honest review.

A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

Published: 29th January 2019 | Publisher: Bloomsbury YA  | Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Brigid Kemmerer's Website
Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she’s instead somehow sucked into Rhen’s cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn’t know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what’s at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin. From Goodreads

Trigger Warnings: This book features death due to cancer, loan sharks, threats of violence from loan sharks, kidnap, violent death, magical torture, violence, discussion of attempted suicide, threat of child murder and sexual abuse of a child, and a scene of blood, gore and viscera.

Continue reading Review: A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer (#Ad)

Review: Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer (eProof) - Thomas Bellweather hasn’t been in town long. Just long enough for his newlywed mother to be murdered, and for his new stepdad’s cop colleagues to decide Thomas is the primary suspect.

Not that there’s any evidence. But before Thomas got to Garretts Mill there had just been one other murder in twenty years.

The only person who believes him is Charlotte Rooker, little sister to three cops and, with her soft hands and sweet curves, straight-up dangerous to Thomas. An old acquaintance was the other murder vic. And she’d like a couple of answers.

Answers that could get them both killed, and reveal a truth Thomas would die to keep hidden… From Goodreads.

Continue reading Review: Thicker Than Water by Brigid Kemmerer

Review: Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (#Ad)

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer

I was sent this proof for free by Bloomsbury Children's Books in exchange for an honest review.

Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope.

Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past.

When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither of them knows that they're not actually strangers. When real life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart. This emotional, compulsively-readable romance will sweep everyone off their feet. From Goodreads.

Continue reading Review: Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (#Ad)

Review: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer (eProof) - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure.

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight... From Goodreads

Continue reading Review: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

A Novel Cover Up: Tom Sanderson on The Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer

A Novel Cover Up is a semi-regular feature that looks at how covers are made. Thanks to Much-in-Little, for the Storm by Brigid Kemmerer UK Blog Tour, I have been fortunate enough to invite back Graphic Designer, Tom Sanderson to discuss how he designed the cover for The Elemental Series. Other than the final covers and the TV show poster, all images in this post are copyrighted to Tom and used with permission, and can be clicked to enlarge.

Hi Tom! Can you tell us about the covers for The Elemental Series? What do you hope it tells readers about the story?

Hi Jo, With the Elemental covers the first design issue that I had to think about was getting a strong series device that could be used to link all the covers together, as I knew there would be a several covers in the series. I was told when Constable & Robinson commissioned me that they would be publishing the novels in print but they would also be publishing the linking novellas as eBooks, so I would need to translate the series into this format as well. For me the most straight forward way of linking these two series of books together would be through the typography, so quite early on in the briefing I realised I wanted to do something interesting with the type. I also wanted the covers to have that cool filmic approach that very much works with the YA genre, so my early reference also included looking at quite a lot of movie posters to get the right kind of look. I've been a fan of the marketing imagery used on the ‘Fringe’ TV series and the poster of the butterfly with the shows type was an early reference point for these covers. I really like the 3D elements of the typography and thought this would be something I could use with these covers.

Continue reading A Novel Cover Up: Tom Sanderson on The Elemental Series by Brigid Kemmerer

Cover Reveal: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

I am delighted to be taking part in the cover reveal for Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer, the fifth book and final book in the Elemental series. Regular readers will know just how much I adore this series, so as awesome as it is to be revealing the US cover, it's so sad that the series is going to be ending! :(

Anywho, here is the cover:

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick is used to pressure.

He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it out for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, gets that. She’s got a kid of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could end her life without a moment’s notice.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s “bad luck.” Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. There will be blood on the ground tonight… From Goodreads.

Continue reading Cover Reveal: Sacrifice by Brigid Kemmerer

Review: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Secret by Brigid Kemmerer (eProof) - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.

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. From Goodreads

Continue reading Review: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

The Elemental Series is Coming to the UK (+ Trailer)!

I don't really post news posts anymore, but this is something I just HAVE to talk about....

THE ELEMENTAL SERIES BY BRIGID KEMMERER IS COMING TO THE UK!!!!!

I am SO excited! Regular readers will know how much I love this series! It's absolutely incredible! So much so, I myself have actually emailed a few UK publishers about this series, practically begging them to publish it over here. I can't claim credit for it being published by Much-in-Little though, an imprint of Contable and Robinson.

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer - Secrets are hard to keep when your life's at stake.

Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys; all the ones she doesn't want. When she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot, everything is about to change. Chris is different from the guys at school... really different. He can control water just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. The brothers are powerful and dangerous. And now that Becca knows the truth, so is she.

When the mysterious new kid, Hunter, turns up, Becca thinks she can trust him. But when he goes head-to-head with Chris, Becca's left wondering who's hiding the most dangerous truth of all. From Goodreads

But yes, they're coming! The first book in the series, Storm, is coming to the UK on 17th April 2013, and you can watch the UK trailer below!

Continue reading The Elemental Series is Coming to the UK (+ Trailer)!

Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.

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… From Goodreads

Continue reading Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer

Cover Reveal: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Today, I have something special for you! Thanks to Brigid Kemmerer, I'm taking part in the cover reveal for Secret, the fourth book in the Elemental series! Secret, which will be released on 28th January, continues the story line in the Elemental novella, Breathless, where Nick is forced to confront his sexuality, which Brigid discussed earlier in the month. And now we have a cover!

Continue reading Cover Reveal: Secret by Brigid Kemmerer

Guest Post: Brigid Kemmerer on Breathless

I am so excited! Today I have YA paranormal romance/urban fantasy author of The Elemental Series, Brigid Kemmerer stopping by my blog today! She's here to discuss why she chose to write a book where of her characters is gay.

If you’re not familiar with The Elemental Series, let me start with a little background. The series follows a family of four orphaned brothers who control the elements of Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Michael, the oldest at twenty-three, has been raising his younger brothers since his parents died five years ago. Nicholas and Gabriel are seventeen-year-old twins, and the youngest is sixteen-year-old Chris. I’ve written the series with a contemporary feel: while the guys have supernatural powers, their stories are more about dealing with adolescence in all its forms, not just paranormal complications.

Each book and short story follows a different brother and their individual struggles. Michael fell in love with the daughter of a family who was leading the crusade to put the Merricks to death. Chris fell in love with a girl who saved him from getting beaten by some bullies—making herself a target in the process. Gabriel was accused of arson while falling in love with a girl who has her own special relationship with fire.

Nick Merrick pretends to be in love with a girl named Quinn, all while hiding the fact that he’s actually falling for her dance partner, an older boy named Adam.

Continue reading Guest Post: Brigid Kemmerer on Breathless

Review: Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer (review copy) - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.

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--sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace. From Amazon UK

Continue reading Review: Breathless by Brigid Kemmerer

Weekly Gossip

Here's your bookish news from the past week.

First up, anthology news!


Foretold: 14 Tales of Prophecy and Predicition edited by Carrie Ryan was released on 28th August, and is full of shirt stories from some of the greatest authors going. (Isn't the cover GORGEOUS?!)

Continue reading Weekly Gossip

Review: Fearless by Brigid Kemmerer

Fearless by Brigid Kemmerer - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoiled for you.

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... From Amazon UK

Continue reading Review: Fearless by Brigid Kemmerer

Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Spark by Brigid Kemmerer (eProof) - WARNING! I cannot review this book without spoiling the others in the series. Read no further if you're planning on reading this series and don't want it spoilt for you.

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. Layne understands family problems, and she understands secrets. She has a few of her own.
 
Gabriel can't let her guess about his brothers, about his abilities, about the danger that's right at his heels. But there are some risks he can't help taking.

The fuse is lit. . . From Amazon UK

Continue reading Review: Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Weekly Gossip

Here is your weekly news!

I have a number of cover reveals for you. First up, Halequin Teen have revealed the cover for Rachel Vincent's Soul Screamers Volume 2 omnibus:

Continue reading Weekly Gossip

Review: Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Storm by Brigid Kemmerer - Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys - 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.

When Hunter, the mysterious new kid in town, 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... From Amazon US

Continue reading Review: Storm by Brigid Kemmerer

Weekly Gossip

Here is your update on the past week's news!

First up, the cover reveal.

The cover for Losing Lila by Sarah Alderson has been released:




How awesome is it?! I love it! Though I find it very odd that her boob is pretty much in the center of the cover. But still! She looks scared! Which is exciting, danger to come!

Continue reading Weekly Gossip

Review: Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer

Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer - 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. From Amazon UK

Continue reading Review: Elemental by Brigid Kemmerer