Spark (Elemental, #2) by by Brigid Kemmerer

 Gabriel Merrick plays with fire. Literally.

Sometimes he can even control it. And sometimes he can’t. Like the fire that killed his parents.

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.

More than Gabriel’s pride is at stake -- this could cost him his family, maybe his life. And no one seems to hear 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…


Ah! Spark! I knew going into this that it would be pretty hot super de duper hot because it's Gabriel's story and Gabriel is damn well fucking sexy hot and his element is fire! It's so fitting! Perfect. :)

Gabriel is kind of a jerk. I mean, he's not super friendly. He picks fights with his brothers (out of jealousy of being left out)

Then they just stood there breathing at each other.

Gabriel hit the horn.

They jumped apart-but Chris punched him in the shoulder when he climbed into the back of the car.

and he's not so nice to Quinn (Becca's best friend and Nick's new (love?) interest) but I don't blame him for that. She is a little too ballsy. I usually like girls like that but I couldn't really stand her for some reason...She just annoyed me. I don't know if it was just Gabriel's POV that made me feel this way or not.

"Jesus, drive," Quinn said, hitting the back of his seat. "God, I hate my mother."

She was so over dramatic. Gabriel pulled the car away from the curb, deliberately moving as slowly as possible.

Being that Gabriel is such an sweet ass most of the time, it was so surprising to read about him hot and burning falling for Layne (and crying). I mean, UGH! It was so VULNERABLE and SEXY! I just wanted to hug and seduce sex him at the same time. He fell for Layne pretty fast. No hesitations. With his bad boy holy shit reputation, no one expects him to be Layne's knight in shining armor but he steps in and fights for her. *melting here*

Both characters have baggage. Gabriel starts fire and (BIG SECRET) Layne is a burn victim. Kind of ironic, huh? They are complete opposites. Layne is shy, smart, and nice. Gabriel is rough around the edges but does really honorable things. They really do compliment each other. I just adore them.

Layne! The shit that girl has to go through! She's a burn victim and has the scars to prove it, her bitch mom walked out and left them for an easier, better lifestyle. Her dad can be a little too busy and a little too overbearing. Her brother is deaf and having trouble with bullies and now that she's caught the eye of Gabriel, she's gotta deal with the jealousy and cruelty of his groupies.  
Great! NOT!
But she takes it all in stride. She's tough, I'll give her that and I admire her for it. I don't think I could have been through what she has and handled it any better.
*applause, please*

I think that Layne and Gabriel will be my favorite couple throughout this whole series. I liked Chris and Becca just fine but do I think they will last? I don't know but I don't feel like their relationship is as strong as Gabriel and Layne's. Especially if Chris is worried about Becca with Hunter. I hope Nick doesn't get serious with annoying Quinn and I'm not sure how I feel about Hannah and Michael. I hope Hunter stays away from that Calia girl. She's crazy!

Basically, I couldn't get enough. The mystery lasted to the end but the romance, the sweet and sexy scenes that seemed to pop in there when most unexpected, kept me from getting impatient with that. All in all, I loved it and I'm left saying once again,  
This series is amazing!