Review: HUSHED

Hushed by Kelley York

published by Entangled Publishing

published on 6 December 2011

260 pages

He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she does not get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption. (goodreads)

WOW! Where to begin?! The first chapter of this book just sucked me in. It starts with a murder. Not something we see all too often in YA Contemporary. Archer has always tried to protect Vivian. In doing so, Arthur has lost himself. He does everything to make Vivian happy after she fell victim to a terrible assault that Archer could not save her from. From that moment on, Arthur has been trying to make it right in hopes of freeing Vivian from the shackles of that night.

In walks Evan, the knight in shining armor! He likes Arthur and can see that Vivian is controlling him to the brink of nuclear meltdown! With Evan, Archer can finally feel happiness and love. He can finally see a future for himself. Archer confides in Evan, telling him the terrible things he has done for Vivian. In the end, Vivian self-destructs and is willing to take everyone down with her.

This book was dark, calculating, suspenseful and yet it had a subtle gentleness. Evan and Arthur have some very tender moments and from one scene comes one of my favorite lines: "He shook his head, smiling. "I think I need to do less of needing people, honestly." As he turned to unlock the door, Evan grabbed his arm and pulled him back around. Barely a breath separated their mouths. "Want me, then," Evan murmured against his lips." If you don't need me, at least want me." Yes, this book is dark, but this book is so unique I think it is a must read. Kelley York did a fantastic job keeping me enthralled from page one to page 260! I rate the book a wonderfully dark 4 stars!