Storm (Elemental 1) by Brigid Kemmerer

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.

*****

Am I the only one who is a bit sad that the paranormal romance trend is slowly dying? Because if it's well done, this is my favourite genre ever. I really devoured this book and when I wasn't reading it, I couldn't stop thinking about it. Luckily, the sequel is already out!

So what made this such an irresistible read? Easy. The Merrick brothers. I loved every one of them, I loved their family dynamic, I loved how they fight amongst each other, and I loved it even more when there were moments of tenderness between them. (There weren't many, but some.) Also, have I mentioned that they're all dark-haired and, the way I imagined them, way hotter than on the cover?

This book is told from the point of view of Becca Chandler and Chris Merrick. Becca was an okay protagonist, although a bit too trusting sometimes. I loved the scenes from Chris' point of view, I wish there had been more of them. It was definitely refreshing to see what's going on in the guy's head since with paranormal romance, you usually only get the girl's point of view. One thing that bugged me a little was the third person narration. The writing style, to me, felt like it would have been much better suited to first person. However, with the switching of perspective, I understand why Kemmerer chose third person.

I loved the elemental powers. It was a unique new paranormal aspect unlike anything I've read before. I also loved the beginning, how you're in the middle of the action from the first page on. I wasn't a big fan of Hunter's, but oh well, what is a paranormal romance without a love triangle? I wish that there would have been some more scenes with Becca and Chris and a little less with Becca and Hunter, and that is basically the only criticism I have.

Storm is a compelling, fast-paced read with irresistible male protagonists that you'll fall in love with. A must for all paranormal lovers out there.

My rating: ☆☆☆☆