Spark (The Elemental series book #2) by Brigid Kemmerer

 Title: Spark

                                                                    Author: Brigid Kemmerer

                                                                    Pages: 345

                                                                    Published: 28th August 2012, by Kensington

                                                                    Series: The Elemental series book #2

                                                                    Genre: YA, romance, supernatural

                                                                    Stars: 4/5

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...

Sometimes you just want to read a book that is just like a high school movie.....plus the whole supernatural business. This book is just like your typical ‘boy is popular in high school-dislikes the smart girl in his class who dresses like a geek but is totally hot underneath all that-then sees her for who she really is and starts to fall in love with her type of book. Nevertheless, I absolutely LOVED it and couldn’t put it down.

I must admit something though, I did not read the first book of this Elemental series and as soon as I heard about what the second book was about, I just jumped in and started with that one (I kind of like reading about those books, especially when both characters have a secret). But to be honest, I didn’t even need to read the first book in the series to understand this one. The main plot and the characters in the first book were mentioned in this book, so it was all good. However, if you do want to read the first book go right ahead.

So guessing from the blurb, the main guy’s family (his brothers) all have powers based on the elements. His older brother has earth power, the main guy in this book Gabriel has fire (so perfect for this type of book and Gabriel's quick temper), his twin Nicky has air and his youngest brother has water. With these powers comes a whole lot of responsibilities and troubles......not to mention a LOT of love interests.

I’m in love with Gabriel (actually I think I’ll just say that about any of the Merrick brothers). His hot, reckless, unpredictable but cares about the people he loves. There is a lot of things going on with him what with him and school, frequent arguments with his brothers, having a heated argument and then fight with his twin (who are very close) and everyone blaming him for everything that’s been going wrong with the town namely the mysterious burning houses that has erupted at of nowhere killing (or nearly killing) anyone in it. I must say, there were so many occasions where I got really angry at everyone blaming Gabriel. Anything wrong happens they are just so quick to point fingers and that made me frustrated. Just leave my Gabriel alone okay!

Gabriel tries, really tries to be a better person, a better twin, friend, brother you name it and hardly anyone gives him some slack. Except for one person.

Layne is just like any high school movie portrayal of the ‘geek girl’. She wears glasses, has her hair in a braid, hardly has no friends (correction no friends) and covers up her body except she has a big secret of her own. I really liked her, not only because she’s just a sophomore attending junior maths classes (that’s where her interaction with Gabriel comes) but also because she’s just so independent, not really caring what anyone thinks of her. She also has a lot of issues at home, what with her workaholic dad, her mum walking out on them to live with another guy and practically being a mother in its one regard for Simon her 14 year old deaf brother who frequently gets bullied in school. Oh yes, she also has to deal with a lot. Not to mention the big secret that she’s kept from everyone.

However, once both of them get together ahhh its just perfect. From the annoyance they had for each other in the beginning to the very intimate love that grew for each other was just perfect. They both as stubborn as each other...eeikkee!

The plot was quick and fast and I liked it. It was finding out who was starting these fires that just so happens to be pointing at Gabriel. It was also about the many issues that Gabriel was going through especially with his family and the new love interest that was keeping Gabriel sane.