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Hushed

by Kelley York (Goodreads Author)

4.19 of 5 stars 4.19 · rating details · 573 ratings · 237 reviews

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 abou...more

Paperback, 229 pages

Published December 6th 2011 by Entangled Publishing (first published November 30th 2011)

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TO DIE FOR 2012 - 2013 STAND-ALONES continued

14th out of 208 books — 441 voters

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100th out of 402 books — 1,492 voters

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Community Reviews

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Jul 19, 2012 Wigs rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: queer

Attention: This is a review for a queer book full of boy cuddles. If this makes you think

then press back and

if, however, your original thought was

then gather round and have a listen.

Okay so firstly, I loved this book. But it's not all about boy cuddles either, it's a very, very dark book. Archer is an 18-year old college student with a hit list:

Jay Lee
Ronny Brown
Brody Hilton
Richter Samuels
Hector Barnes
Bobby

Like Dexter, Archer is killing because these people have done terrible things. Unlike Dex...more

like 53 likes · see review

Apr 08, 2013 Karla(Book Addict) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: adults-only, favorites, trapped-me

deleting reviews if you want to take a look at them you can do so on my blog, link on my profile

like 14 likes · see review

Dec 08, 2011 Giselle rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ebook, favorites, new-adult, mystery-thriller

Hushed is definitely not a bedtime story! It's dark, sinister and completely unorthodox. Frankly, I thought it was brilliant! We all know Dexter, right? (Michael C. Hall <3 ) Hushed is basically a YA version of Dexter. A little less gory, a little more angst.

Everything about this book screams unconventional. The plot, the relationships, even the twists are completely unexpected because it's so different from what we're used to seeing. I found it refreshing, really. Especially in the YA genre...more

like 30 likes · see review

Mar 24, 2013 Tina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: thriller, mm-romance

Wow...what a thrilling, brillant story.

Hushed is very dark, left me holding my breath and is addictive on many levels. There are a lot of things going on in this book that make it a real page turner.

The characters have no special powers like in paranormal, fantasy or vampire novels. They are broken in their own ways. Mrs. York creates a bad guy - there are no illusions about how messed up he is - and portrays him in a way that we find ourselves loving him and only wanting good things for him.

A...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Adults

Recommended to Terri ♥ (aka Mrs. Christian Grey) by: Fantasy & YA Addicted Group

Shelves: reviewed

Right off the bat, I want to say thanks to the publisher and the Fantasy & YA Addicted group for the opportunity to read this book.

Wow, this is probably one the top five books I’ve read this year.

Amazing can’t describe. I was captivated by the first words and it never stopped until my stunned silence at the end.

Archer is probably the most flawed characters I’ve ever read about, almost to the point of being non-redeemable. However, the book was still that good. I can’t think of words to des...more

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Mar 05, 2013 Bernardo rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: come-here-gorgeous-twerk-that-thang, 2013, dark-and-grimy-and-grungy, emotional-rollercoaster-let-me-out, gayness-abound, romance, ya, thriller-thriller-night

Ooooh, I really liked this one. Review coming next week BECAUSE IT'S SPRING BREAK, BITCHES~

No joke, I actually flailed.

like 7 likes · see review

Oct 22, 2011 Beth rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-reads

I beta-read this book, and you are going to love it. It's dark and beautiful and totally unforgettable.

ETA:

Now we're getting near the release date, I feel the need to update this. I will start this with a warning that this book is disturbing and does mix genres, so be prepared not to have your 'typical' experince. Some will love it (I did), and I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you're into dark/edgy/upper YA.

The best part of this book is the characters. I thought it would be like...more I beta-read this book, and you are going to love it. It's dark and beautiful and totally unforgettable.

ETA:

Now we're getting near the release date, I feel the need to update this. I will start this with a warning that this book is disturbing and does mix genres, so be prepared not to have your 'typical' experince. Some will love it (I did), and I highly recommend giving it a try, especially if you're into dark/edgy/upper YA.

The best part of this book is the characters. I thought it would be like Dexter when I first started reading: y'know, (view spoiler). It isn't. Unlike Dexter, Hushed has real heart. It's about fear and guilt and paranoia, and when I rooted for Archer and Vivian, I wasn't rooting for them because they were some awesome Bonnie & Clyde couple blowing away bad guys, I was rooting for them to get better and find a way through their pain. This isn't wish-fulfilment. It isn't totally justified. Yes, the scumbags deserved something nasty and horrible coming to them, but perhaps not what Archer doled out for them. What I liked is how well Kelley balanced Archer as a likeable character and Archer as a dangerous person: I thought that it was excellently done (although some may not, fair warning) because we could see Archer as an unbalanced person (e.g. his hero complex and that rather unnerving short story) but also as someone who wanted to heal, and wanted to heal Vivian.

Vivian, however, was probably my favourite character. Not my 'favourite' in the traditional sense - she's dark and chilling and seriously disturbed (more so than Archer, even) - and she's not all that likeable. Her relationship with Archer is intense and unhealthy, but it really anchors the book, giving us both a sense of Vivian as a charming, stunted woman who pulls Archer in even as he's trying to pull away, and as a dangerous, manipulative force who has got so many second chnaces that she doesn't really deserve another one. A solid 5/5 for me.(less)

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Apr 14, 2013 Aimee rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites, made-for-me, ya

I'm done....Wow, that was...wild. Intense. Heart-stopping. Emotional. Idk, how many adjectives do I need to throw at you in order to convince you to GET THIS BOOK...Need to sort out my thoughts on this....What I can say right now is, I freakin loved this. >.<

***
12/13/12

This is one book that I feel deserves all of the 4-5 star reviews. As I'm sure you can already tell from the blurb, this isn't your average read. It's a dark & twisted little story- reminiscent of Dexter, but don't worr...more I'm done....Wow, that was...wild. Intense. Heart-stopping. Emotional. Idk, how many adjectives do I need to throw at you in order to convince you to GET THIS BOOK...Need to sort out my thoughts on this....What I can say right now is, I freakin loved this. >.<

***
12/13/12

This is one book that I feel deserves all of the 4-5 star reviews. As I'm sure you can already tell from the blurb, this isn't your average read. It's a dark & twisted little story- reminiscent of Dexter, but don't worry, it's a definitely tamer version that deals more with the psychological/emotional aspect rather than blood and gore (as the creepy cover kind of suggests). The story starts right off with a chilling tone as Archer is in the midst of orchestrating a suicide. But slowly, we are given bits and pieces on what terrible past has driven Archer to make the choices he has, a past that has him indelibly bonded with Vivian.

Deeply flawed individual that he is, Archer has a vulnerability to him that is just so heartbreaking to see and makes it so easy to empathize and care for him...forgetting the fact that he is an unapologetic killer. And that is because we see how he has been blinded in his loyalty and love for Vivian, just drowning in guilt and self-hatred, a victim of years of manipulation and callous disregard by not just Vivian but everyone who he has ever tried to just show his love for, including his mother...

"You're a monster, Archer. Everything around you rots and dies."

And then there's Evan. Evan is the breath of fresh air that Archer so desperately needs... His bump into Archer as a new student hopelessly "lost" on campus is so endearingly sweet.

This was a gripping, suspenseful story that had my heart racing and on the edge of my seat out of fear and worry over what would happen to Archer. I reveled in the moments of happiness and clarity, even innocence, he was able to find. I wanted so much for him to find some crazy way to get out of this hell he has found himself in and finally be able to live and breathe. Because right to the very end, the punches and kicks don't stop coming... I'm not going to spoil anything about this story, but I finished this book satisfied-it was an ending that made sense. Edit: And yes (view spoiler).

This book isn't perfect, but it is well-written and I was captivated by the story so the small flaws don't matter in the long run.
I really think this is a book not to be missed out on, if you're looking something for a little different, a little unique, and excellently written~

***
Re-read!(less)

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Aug 19, 2012 Cayce rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m, ya, m-m-best

Do monsters get second chances?

"I feel that suicide notes lose their zing when they drag on too long" "What happened to 'Goodbye, cruel world'?"

Hushed was one hell of a twisted ride. And it was a ride I truly enjoyed, and even want to go on another round with Kelley York. (Good thing that she just published a new novel.:)

Hushed is a sad story, full of tragedies and broken lives, and still written in a somehow lighter and more hopeful tone than I expected from the blurb. Maybe because it's a you...more Do monsters get second chances?

"I feel that suicide notes lose their zing when they drag on too long" "What happened to 'Goodbye, cruel world'?"

Hushed was one hell of a twisted ride. And it was a ride I truly enjoyed, and even want to go on another round with Kelley York. (Good thing that she just published a new novel.:)

Hushed is a sad story, full of tragedies and broken lives, and still written in a somehow lighter and more hopeful tone than I expected from the blurb. Maybe because it's a young adult novel.
The narrator, Archer has lived in a Vivian centered world for so long, he feels it's his responsibility to make her happy and free. And he has some very unusual ideas how to make that happen. While Archer has done some morally wrong things, I didn't see him as a monster. Damaged? Yes. Monster, no.

Evan was Archer's very own prince on a white horse, or something like that. I liked him very much, you couldn't not like him, he was kind, strong and open minded. He loved and accepted Archer for what he was. I just didn't understand why... It's not something normal folks just accept. But I'm very glad he did.

Vivian, oh Vivian. I did feel sorry for her, but her relationship with Archer was unhealthy for the both of them. And I just wished that someone would stopped her, before what happened had happened.

I have to say I don't get the cover. It looks like Archer -if that's him on the cover- is some abused, frightened boy. Which is definitely not the case. He's not huge, but he knows how to fight. He's sacrastic, a general people-hater and sort of OCD. But if you're anything like me, you'll end up liking and rooting for him. He's sweet and hungry for love under the hard surface. And I'll say he deserves that second chance.

Overall, I liked Hushed very much. Kelley York has a great "voice", an engaging writing style and knows how to create unique, memorable characters. I've read this not short novel in half a day. In fact I just finished it, and I had to share with you all, right away, how awesome it was. My mind is still reeling, trying out "What if"scenarios and imagining Archer and Evan's life after....

I'd recommend Hushed to fans of Dexter, and if you liked books like I am not a Serial Killer, I Hunt Killers or Dead to You.

4.5 stars
(less)

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Feb 18, 2012 I ♥ Bookie Nookie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: tone-dark-or-not-fluffy, z-ebook, zz-reviewed, 2012, zz-read-or-reviewed-new-adult, genre-new-adult

HUSHED is perplexing from the very beginning. I was very intrigued about the perverse path author Kelly York was leading me down. Though I was a little frightened, I was anxious to discover the ultimate destination of her masterfully crafted, wicked characters.

Talk about a super dark read! Wow! I really struggled with how I felt about the characters – loved ‘em and hated ‘em. Archer is the really whacked avenging angel...when I think about him, the age-old saying flashes in my brain: Two wrongs...more

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Apr 10, 2013 Novels On The Run rated it 5 of 5 stars

MICHELLE'S REVIEW:

RATING : 5 ARCHER & EVAN STARS!!

Every now and then a story comes along that I am so glad I read even though it was very dark, it left you holding your breath in places as you know the character is doing something unlawful and murderous but you can’t stop reading because you want to know, why? You also know that in their minds eye they think they are doing the right thing. Ridding the world of a useless human being who has hurt somebody you love, even though you are breaking...more MICHELLE'S REVIEW:

RATING : 5 ARCHER & EVAN STARS!!

Every now and then a story comes along that I am so glad I read even though it was very dark, it left you holding your breath in places as you know the character is doing something unlawful and murderous but you can’t stop reading because you want to know, why? You also know that in their minds eye they think they are doing the right thing. Ridding the world of a useless human being who has hurt somebody you love, even though you are breaking the law. You have become possibly worse than their original behaviour.

This book is addictive on many levels. There are a lot of things going on in this book that make it a real page turner. It is not a paranormal, urban fantasy or vampire book. This is a story about a couple characters that have no special powers. They are broken in their own ways and one character who is the saviour that we all need in a friend when we have been the worse we can be in life but they are there to not judge but to hold our hand, be our confidant, even if we should be locked away.

Archer has reasons for doing what he is doing, in his mind. He has justified his list of people he has to eliminate, because of a love for his best friend who had her innocence taken away.

Dexter, the T.V. show is an example of a guy that has another side to him and he is fixing what he truly believes needs fixing/eliminating. Archer has a Dexter type personality, although not as gruesome, but he does what he needs to do. Archer believes in what he is doing until his conscience catches up on him. He no longer wants to be a monster.

Enter Evan who I absolutely adore. He has this presence, this shyness, yet this goodness that balances out Archer’s dark side, what Archer needs, whether he knows it yet or not.

This book is a beautiful love story as much as it is a dark story. York really weaves everything together very powerfully. This is not your boy, girl love story. I cannot fault this book. York has written the love story between Archer and Evan so beautifully and in parts you want the relationship to move quicker than it is. Evan has such a good soul. He handles Archer carefully and lovingly. Lets Archer decide for himself where his loyalty lies.

I could have cried at how broken Archer became. Vivian is a piece of work but at the same time she is broken and her jealous, manipulative ways, Archer didn’t deserve. What Archer did, he did for Vivian.

I have to put this down as one of the best non Paranormal reads I have read this year. This book has a lot of raw emotion, as the reader you can’t help feeling and wanting everything to turn out for Archer no matter how wrong he has been, no matter who he has murdered, no matter how many lives he has affected. You want him to have a shot at true happiness with Evan.

Evan is just a Saint. He has such a loyalty to Archer, he knows what Archer has done. He has enormous patience for Vivian and how she interrupts Archer’s life constantly. Evan is such a calm presence in Archer’s life. He shows him so much that he was missing.

I highly recommend this read.(less)

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Mar 03, 2012 Vio rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: angst, highly-recommended, really-really-good, sad, unusual

4.5 Stars

So many wonderful reviews about Hushed and deservedly so!

Yep I have to say it started with a bang! A great, great story emotional and absorbing with so many twists and turns and what a fantastic ending, a welcome surprise and one I never expected. The sign of a brilliant book for me is when the author manages to make me feel compassion and love, emotions I don't want or expect to feel for a "murderer" you want to hate him but you can't because he's so damn messed up. The confusion guilt...more

like 16 likes · see review

Nov 27, 2011 Rogier rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: young-adult, wishlist, m-m-romance, contemporary, murder, thriller, coverlove

My thoughts

Cover: A simply dark cover in my opinion. Because of it simplicity it catches your attention. Not girl –ified. No bare chest model. Like those but their overdone. It catches your attention becuase of the the blood smears on his cheek. I ask myself what happened when I see that.

Book: When I saw it on Goodreads in August and read the synopsis I immediately added it to my wishlist and it is still there. I received a e- ARC. When I got a chance to review it after being declined a multip...more My thoughts

Cover: A simply dark cover in my opinion. Because of it simplicity it catches your attention. Not girl –ified. No bare chest model. Like those but their overdone. It catches your attention becuase of the the blood smears on his cheek. I ask myself what happened when I see that.

Book: When I saw it on Goodreads in August and read the synopsis I immediately added it to my wishlist and it is still there. I received a e- ARC. When I got a chance to review it after being declined a multiple number of times on Net Galley, I did not let this opportunity pass me by.

The book begins where Archer, our leading male, forces a victim to commit suicide. I started this and I thought it was like a teenage Dexter. I love that show but can’t feel compassion for Dex. In archer’s case I could. He is a soul but throughout the book I felt compassion and began to care for this character. Ok he is a serial killer, which is not good. In his mind killing the teenagers that hurt Vivian, his best friend, will undo the hurt that they put her through.

I felt compassion for Viv. I felt sorry for the crappy relationships and the poor picking of boyfriends. She is always choosing jerks and lowlifes that hurt her in the end emotionally and as a result she cries and finds support in Archer, her best friend.

But everything changes when Evan comes in to their lives. Archer first meets Evan on the college campus when he asks for directions to the administration building. He does not know what’s so alluring about him, but he makes him feel calm. They spend more and more time together and Archer starts to feel for Evan and Evan for Archer. Archer does not want to kill anymore.

But little Miss Vivian (she is not little lol, a college kid)starts to notice things and sees her Viv/Archer time dwindling. The person both Archer and myself [to me characters are real in alternative universe] thought she was, turns out to be an illusion. My compassion plummeted to ground zero.

In my opinion the baddest, most manipulative protagonist of the year belongs to her. She is the driving force of the novel.
This is one of darkest, emotional YA releases of the year. This book is a huge thriller especially near the end. Any one not comfortable with older dark YA or new adult, male-male love and some graphic scenes it may not be for you. Can’t wait what Kelly thinks up next.(less)

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Mar 17, 2012 Betryal rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hardcover-paperback, young-adult

There were 2 instances, scenes in the book that cut off abruptly and continued into the next chapter, following day without knowing what happened next or even the character thinking back on it and I will admit that I found that quite frustrating and these were pertinent scenes and points to the story itself.

Other than that I liked the story if even the main ch was a gullible wimp and allowed one so called friend put him into a place no one should be in. I am glad it ended the way it had, but in...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Stacia ~ Mistress of Mediocrity rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: new-adult-college

It took me a while after finishing to figure out how to rate this book. I couldn't decide if this book was absolutely brilliant and I loved it, or if it was too messed up and I hated it.

After several day's worth of reflection, I'm going to say that I liked it. The book sits around a 3.5 for me and I had to ponder whether to round up or down with the stars. I read the story in almost in one sitting, and consider it a high 4 for uniqueness and entertainment value. What dragged it down a bit for me...more

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Feb 24, 2013 Ruth**Off With Its Head!** rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites, suspense, male-pov, bad-boy, angst

What a fantastic story. If you are a fan of the TV show Dexter you'll love this.
I couldn't help wanting everything to work out for Archer even though I knew it was wrong.
I also loved how the love story was written, no angsty coming out of the closet etc it just so happened the person he fell for was another guy. Brilliantly done.
Read this book, you won't regret it.

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Dec 04, 2011 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, 2011-debut-author-challenge

Archer Pond is a killer.

He is seeking vengeance for the brutal crime that took his best friend Vivian from him years ago and turned her into someone he doesn’t even know. Someone he isn’t even sure he likes.

He’s made a list. He’s studied his victims. And one by one he plans on making each of them pay for what they’ve done.

Archer Pond is a monster… but he doesn’t want to be.

He wants to be free. Free from the guilt he feels over what happened to Vivian. Free from Vivian, who keeps pulling him back...more

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Nov 04, 2012 Amber rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: murder, ebook, lgbt, thriller, ya

Kelley York's dark story of a young boy who is willing to do anything for a childhood friend will surprise you and root for our troubled protaganist.

York doesn't waste any time with setting up the tone for this book. The first chapter deals with Archer finishing up yet another kill. He is efficient, quick and dedicated to his task and you can tell that he's like that in all aspects of life. Hushed is a thriller novel that moves at the perfect pace, it doesn't bore nor does it give anything away...more

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Mar 31, 2013 Andrea at Reading Lark rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 5-stars, arc, contemporary, kindle, read-in-2012, young-adult

Review Posted on Reading Lark 11/23/11: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/...

Hushed is the story of Archer and Vivian's dysfunctional friendship; the lives of these two produce poisonous effects and everything they seem to touch withers. Archer is seen as a monster to many - including his own mother - for his violent and antisocial tendencies. Vivian's experiences with abuse as a child have left her damaged and needy. Neither one can imagine their life without the other wallowing in pain besi...more Review Posted on Reading Lark 11/23/11: http://readinglark.blogspot.com/2011/...

Hushed is the story of Archer and Vivian's dysfunctional friendship; the lives of these two produce poisonous effects and everything they seem to touch withers. Archer is seen as a monster to many - including his own mother - for his violent and antisocial tendencies. Vivian's experiences with abuse as a child have left her damaged and needy. Neither one can imagine their life without the other wallowing in pain beside them. However, Archer wants nothing more than to soothe Vivian's aches and make up for past wrongs. How does he accomplish this task? He makes a hit list of all the people who have hurt Vivian and one by one he starts to kill them off. Didn't I tell you that this friendship was dysfunctional?

The summary of this one had me a little nervous before I started the book. I have loved everything I have read from Entangled Publishing in the past so I was willing to give this one a shot on that alone. This book was something entirely unexpected. I honestly wasn't planning to find a way to understand Archer or Vivian - let alone be sympathetic to their flights of crazy - but somewhere along the way I did find myself feeling sorry for them both. It was unnerving for me to feel sympathy towards a serial killer, however, as Archer's story unfolds, you start to hope that things will get better for him and in the end he will be okay. It's so odd to see the traditional villain type role be something other than evil. Part of what makes this book so amazing is the flaws of the characters and how they seek to overcome and/or drown in those negative aspects of their lives. My heart broke for Archer as I watched him struggle with his guilt over his actions. On the other hand, feeling sorry for Vivian didn't come as easily.

I feel like this book will appeal to YA and adult readers for many reasons. The plot is suspenseful and intriguing. Each time I would think the story line was winding down, a new twist would arise and spin me off in a direction I never saw coming. The grittiness and realism of this book will also appeal to many. Finally, I think the struggles Archer goes through concerning relationships will also speak to various audiences. Archer's heart is divided between Vivian, the girl he's longed for since childhood, and Ethan, a new guy he met on his college campus. The relationship between Archer and Ethan was well written and many teens could benefit from watching as the guys come out of the closet with family and friends.

Overall, this book was a shocking surprise. This isn't my typical genre, but I ended up loving it. Hushed is extremely dark and tragic. I spent most of the novel feeling creeped out and shivers danced up and down my spine. This one reads as if you have a front row seat as the story is playing out. Kelley York has done an amazing job of creating a story that is the dark chocolate of books - sweet with just an edge of bitterness and massively addicting. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for something dark, edgy, and suspenseful.

One Last Gripe: I love Ethan, but I don't think I could overlook all of Archer's past demons. Ethan's easy acceptance of everything seemed a bit unrealistic.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The evolution of Archer

First Sentence: "I feel that suicide notes lose their zing when they drag on too long," Archer emphasized the statement with a tap of his foot.

Favorite Character: Ethan

Least Favorite Character: Richter(less)

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Apr 10, 2013 Michelle novelsontherun rated it 5 of 5 stars

RATING : 5 ARCHER & EVAN STARS!!

Every now and then a story comes along that I am so glad I read even though it was very dark, it left you holding your breath in places as you know the character is doing something unlawful and murderous but you can’t stop reading because you want to know, why? You also know that in their minds eye they think they are doing the right thing. Ridding the world of a useless human being who has hurt somebody you love, even though you are breaking the law. You have...more RATING : 5 ARCHER & EVAN STARS!!

Every now and then a story comes along that I am so glad I read even though it was very dark, it left you holding your breath in places as you know the character is doing something unlawful and murderous but you can’t stop reading because you want to know, why? You also know that in their minds eye they think they are doing the right thing. Ridding the world of a useless human being who has hurt somebody you love, even though you are breaking the law. You have become possibly worse than their original behaviour.

This book is addictive on many levels. There are a lot of things going on in this book that make it a real page turner. It is not a paranormal, urban fantasy or vampire book. This is a story about a couple characters that have no special powers. They are broken in their own ways and one character who is the saviour that we all need in a friend when we have been the worse we can be in life but they are there to not judge but to hold our hand, be our confidant, even if we should be locked away.

Archer has reasons for doing what he is doing, in his mind. He has justified his list of people he has to eliminate, because of a love for his best friend who had her innocence taken away.

Dexter, the T.V. show is an example of a guy that has another side to him and he is fixing what he truly believes needs fixing/eliminating. Archer has a Dexter type personality, although not as gruesome, but he does what he needs to do. Archer believes in what he is doing until his conscience catches up on him. He no longer wants to be a monster.

Enter Evan who I absolutely adore. He has this presence, this shyness, yet this goodness that balances out Archer’s dark side, what Archer needs, whether he knows it yet or not.

This book is a beautiful love story as much as it is a dark story. York really weaves everything together very powerfully. This is not your boy, girl love story. I cannot fault this book. York has written the love story between Archer and Evan so beautifully and in parts you want the relationship to move quicker than it is. Evan has such a good soul. He handles Archer carefully and lovingly. Lets Archer decide for himself where his loyalty lies.

I could have cried at how broken Archer became. Vivian is a piece of work but at the same time she is broken and her jealous, manipulative ways, Archer didn’t deserve. What Archer did, he did for Vivian.

I have to put this down as one of the best non Paranormal reads I have read this year. This book has a lot of raw emotion, as the reader you can’t help feeling and wanting everything to turn out for Archer no matter how wrong he has been, no matter who he has murdered, no matter how many lives he has affected. You want him to have a shot at true happiness with Evan.

Evan is just a Saint. He has such a loyalty to Archer, he knows what Archer has done. He has enormous patience for Vivian and how she interrupts Archer’s life constantly. Evan is such a calm presence in Archer’s life. He shows him so much that he was missing.

I highly recommend this read.(less)

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Jan 01, 2012 Amy ~Lover of Books~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, young-adult, 2011, crime-mystery-thriller

More reviews @ http://starlightreads.blogspot.com

After finishing this book over twelve hours ago, I'm still trying to wrap my mind around what I read. It's hard to put into words and I'm not sure where to begin with this review.

Archer and Vivian have been best friends since childhood. One night, Vivian is raped by her brother's friends and even though Archer is there, he isn't strong enough to do anything to stop it. Vivian has a hard time recovering from that night. Feeling helpless, Archer beg...more

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Jul 18, 2012 Erin rated it 5 of 5 stars

It was very interesting and I liked it. I could not put the book down. It's about a guy named Archer who cares very much about his best friend, Vivian. So he decided to make a hit list and kill each guy who raped Vivian one at a time. But then he meets this guy, Evan, who makes Archer rethink about his choices.
Warning: Some boy cuddling and one slightly intense scene >/////<

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Dec 09, 2011 Karla V rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Complete review here: http://notjustnonsense.blogspot.com/2...

Great cover, right? Kind of gives you the shivers and really makes you want to start reading, huh? Yes. Those were my first thoughts when I saw it. Now that I have read it, all I can think is:

Wow.

That was intense. I just couldn't put it down! XD

Archer Pond has been friends with Vivian since they were kids. After he witnessed his best friend being gang-raped and couldn't do anything to help, he promised himself to always be there for...more

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Dec 01, 2011 Kris rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, ya-books, books-reviewed

Copied from original post at Imaginary Reads

When I started this book, I knew that I would hate Vivian, pity Archer, and love Evan. I was right on the last part. As for the first two... there's some truth in what I said; however, I wasn’t expecting to find myself sharing some of Archer’s feelings about Vivian. Oh, I hated Vivian for using Archer like she did, but there are so many complications surrounding them that I couldn't help feeling a little sorry for her by the time the story ended.

Murder...more

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Oct 26, 2011 Lydia Sharp rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: arc, lgbt, young-adult, thriller, contemporary, romance, 2011, favorites, own, ebook

Intense thriller. Hot romance. INSTANT FAVORITE.
Full review to come.

EDIT:

Here is my full review, as it appeared on GayYA.org
_____

The first reaction I had to this novel after finishing it was–

MIND = BLOWN

Easily one of the best novels I’ve read this year, but not for those with a weak constitution.

Hushed opens with a highly disturbing scene in which Archer forces Vivian’s brother (one of the people who hurt her all those years ago) to commit suicide by way of a drug overdose. Archer even gets him...more

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Nov 20, 2011 Kayleigh {K-Books} rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: entangled-teen

Hushed Review on K-Books

This is one of the best books I have read this month, possibly this year. This is the first thriller-type book I have ever read and I always assumed it just wasn't my thing. I am definitely more of a romance kind of girl but when I was asked to review it and I read the blurb I was really intrigued. It was phenomenal. I am so glad I read this and I am now much more open to these kinds of books. I loved it.

Archer has been in love with Vivian since they were kids. He will do...more Hushed Review on K-Books

This is one of the best books I have read this month, possibly this year. This is the first thriller-type book I have ever read and I always assumed it just wasn't my thing. I am definitely more of a romance kind of girl but when I was asked to review it and I read the blurb I was really intrigued. It was phenomenal. I am so glad I read this and I am now much more open to these kinds of books. I loved it.

Archer has been in love with Vivian since they were kids. He will do anything for her happiness and anything to protect her. Even murder people. But then he meets Evan and everything starts to change for him. He learns what unconditional love really is like and what he feels may just be a little wrong. But can he back out now when he has already come so far?

I genuinely loved this book. When reading the blurb I immediately thought okay this guy is killing people, he has to be the bad guy right? Boy was I wrong. Archer is so not the bad guy and I loved him. My heart really went out to him while reading this book. Archer has never known unconditional love, from his strained hateful relationship with his mother to Vivian's manipulative behaviours towards him he has never really received love like everybody else does and that is obviously going to affect him and the way he behaves (Keep in mind I may see this completely different because of my psychological background). He is a very flawed character and everything he does, he does because he thinks he is doing the right thing and keeping those he loves from harm.
Hushed is 100% a redemption story and I love how Evan comes into it and ends up kind of being Archer's saviour. Evan sees all these flaws in Archer and sees what he does to protect Vivian but he never once judges him and is always the one who loves him no matter what and is there to help him.

I finished this book over a week ago and I still don't really know what to say. The writing is captivating and draws you in right from the start. I sat down just to read one chapter to kind of get a feel for the book and the next thing I knew I was half-way through. I genuinely couldn't put it down. I loved every moment of it and I felt everything through Archer. I understood him and I just wanted to give him a hug and tell him everything would be okay.
I would love for Kelley York to write a follow-up to find out what happens next with Archer and Evan but I loved the ending and thought it was perfect to end their story.

Kelley York is definitely an author to watch out for. Her writing has captivated me and when she releases another book I will 100% pick it up and buy it without even looking to see what it's about.
A phenomenal debut book and everyone should pick it up and read it. Even if it doesn't seem your kind of book like I originally thought just pick it up and read it anyway. You won't be disappointed.(less)

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Nov 21, 2011 Jess rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: advanced-reviews, arc, awesomeness, favorites

"He squeezed his eyes shut. A hand brushed his shoulder. Why did he always do that? Touch and go. It drove him crazy. Then Evan’s arms were sliding around him and all complaints vanished.”

I don’t even know what to say. If I could rate this book a 10, I so would. But it’s not even that, it’s just how incredible this book was. It’s something completely out of what I would normally read and I didn’t think I would love it. But God, I loved it. So much. I loved it so much that I read it in one sittin...more "He squeezed his eyes shut. A hand brushed his shoulder. Why did he always do that? Touch and go. It drove him crazy. Then Evan’s arms were sliding around him and all complaints vanished.”

I don’t even know what to say. If I could rate this book a 10, I so would. But it’s not even that, it’s just how incredible this book was. It’s something completely out of what I would normally read and I didn’t think I would love it. But God, I loved it. So much. I loved it so much that I read it in one sitting, and now I only wish I had stalled and not read so fast. This is truly a wonderful read and had become on my favourite reads of 2011 so far.

Everything about Hushed is intense. The book starts of pretty grim with Archer persuading someone (I won’t mention who for fear of spoiling) to kill themselves on pain killers and vodka. Yeah, pretty gritty. And it doesn’t really ease up after that. Archer has tried to protect his best friend Vivian since they were kids, and after a horrible event that took place when they were kids, Archer swore to himself that he’d do anything to protect Vivian. And he does.

This book touches on some issues, unhealthy obsession, betrayal, homosexuality, murder, and even mental issues. It’s pretty intense throughout the book and even though Archer is supposed to be the ‘bad guy’ you can’t help but feel bad for him. His friendship (if you can call it that) with Vivian is not a healthy one. He’s always there, he’s sort of attracted to her but she won’t have him. She looks him over for the jerks that beat her up. Archer at first doesn’t really question his friendship with Vivian he just does what she wants, he goes where she wants him to. Beck. And. Call! It isn’t until Evan enters Archer’s life that Archer starts to feel that there are others out there that might care about him like he cares about Vivian. And it’s Evan that brings Archer back to life so to speak, he grounds him, he anchors him, he loves him. I loved Evan and Archer’s relationship, this is another love that was slow to build, Archer being very unsure of himself and others, thinking he couldn’t trust anyone but Vivian. But as he gets to know Evan more and more, he starts to fall for him. Now this is the first time I’ve read a book on Homosexuality, and I’m not against it AT ALL. In fact I find gay story lines some of the more romantic than the straight ones. It’s a wonderful moment when Archer frees himself and allows to be loved by Evan and it’s at that moment that you want nothing more than for the supposed bad guy, to get his happy ending. Kelly wrote their love wonderfully and I loved every moment shared between them, and I sighed and swooned anytime they were together and thought that there has never been a love more perfect than theirs. Watch out for that shower scene, it’s a beautiful moment because its unexpected and something that comes easily after so much tension. And it was this particular relationship between two people that surpasses all other relationships that I’ve read about in other YA novels.

Vivian at first I liked her...and it wasn’t until she became obsessed and jealous of Archer and Evan’s relationship that you finally see that she’s in fact the demon that has poisoned Archer all his life. She ultimately isn’t a very nice person at all, and I didn’t like her one bit. I found myself rooting for Archer all the way through and I’m glad he got his happy ending...sort of.

I commend Kelley for writing a book that not only touches on some serious issues but somehow manages to create characters that feel so real that you simply connect with them on some level (murder aside obviously). She’s created a bad guy or a supposed bad guy and made you love him.

Hushed is a fast paced read that leaves you on the edge of your seat all the way through. It’s a pretty suspenseful thriller questioning and wishing for things that may or may not happen. Anyway I urge anyone to read Hushed and I hope you enjoy it. I most definitely did. I do urge that the mature YA community read this, just for some scenes of murder, blood, and a steamy scene in the shower...I'd say around 16+ would be best with regards to age.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for allowing me to review this.(less)

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Nov 22, 2011 Jessica (Step Into Fiction) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: top-25-reads-of-2011, arcs, blog-tours, 5-stars

Was asked not to post a review until closer to the release date BUT in the meantime - I must say. I stayed up until 4 AM reading this until my sight was so blurry I couldn't read it anymore. As soon as I got up, I went to my computer to finish the rest. A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. So many great things to say but they will have to wait for about two weeks! :D

Full Review Below:

I thank Entangled Publishing for sending me a copy of this ARC to review. I’ve never heard of this book nor knew what to expect but I...more

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Jan 04, 2012 Anna Dase rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This story deals with how the human psyche can be fragile and interweaves raw emotion with beautiful characters. When I read this book it brought out a lot of emotion in me I cried and I laughed and it even made my heart all warm and fuzzy. I fell in love with Archer and Evan but not so much Vivian.

Hushed is a Dark and Beautifully Written story about a guy Archer Pond willing to kill and has killed and forced some to take their own life in hopes of getting is best friend back Vivian who he was f...more

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Dec 04, 2011 Tara Calaby rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbtq-focus, review-copy, own-ebook, crime, ya-fiction, romance, friendships, thriller, adult-fiction

My full Hushed review can be found at Agrippina Legit.

Hushed is a tense novel that will have its readers hooked from the opening pages right through to its conclusion. It presents themes of love and loyalty and explores the aftermath of trauma and the choice to follow a particular path. While its content and focus are definitely gritty, Hushed doesn't feel unduly dark. Indeed, I came away from the book feeling almost uplifted; for every depressing or sordid occurrence, there is a helping of love...more
My full Hushed review can be found at Agrippina Legit.

Hushed is a tense novel that will have its readers hooked from the opening pages right through to its conclusion. It presents themes of love and loyalty and explores the aftermath of trauma and the choice to follow a particular path. While its content and focus are definitely gritty, Hushed doesn't feel unduly dark. Indeed, I came away from the book feeling almost uplifted; for every depressing or sordid occurrence, there is a helping of love or hope.

The thing that really makes Hushed is the artful depiction of its protagonist, Archer. Multiple times within the novel, Archer is referred to as a "monster", but somehow he is also extremely sympathetic and, amazingly, highly likeable. If someone were to tell me about a book with a loveable murderer, I would scoff, but that is exactly what Kelley York has produced. The reader can't help but hope that, in spite of his crimes, things will work out well for Archer.

In contrast, Vivian is very difficult to like. Although we are given reasons for her behaviour, we are also shown that there were other paths that she could have followed. There is just something about her character that made me wary from the start. Archer's devotion to her is perfectly plausible, however. She is cleverly described as just the sort of person who possesses that kind of hold over people.

Evan is sugar where Vivian is poison. He is perfectly understanding, perfectly devoted... and fairly perfect all round, for that matter. He offers the kind of unconditional care that Archer needs to start to break free of Vivian's hold over him. The difficulty I had with him as a character, however, was the fact that he mostly is shown as being a positive force in Archer's life. We don't learn as much about Evan himself as I would have liked – just glimpses of the way he fits into Archer's world.

The romance here is very nicely done, with little focus on the genders of the people involved. While there is definitely a place in YA literature for tales of coming out and the establishment of sexual identity, I think they tend to dominate the market more than they should. It was refreshing to read a book where the romance plays out much as it would with a heterosexual couple, but without ignoring the social implications of a same sex romance.

As mentioned, some of the content in Hushed is quite dark, and I would recommend it to readers from the late teens upwards. While the main characters are in their first year of university, I think that the plot and execution of the novel will endear it to adult readers as well. An engrossing and though-provoking read.(less)

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About Kelley York

Once upon a time, Kelley York was born in central California. And it's there she she still resides with her lovely wife, step-daughter, and an abundance of cats, while fantasizing about moving to England or Ireland. She has a fascination with bells and animals, is a lover of video games, Doctor Who, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real...more

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Quotes from Hushed

“Everyone’s had shit in their lives. Some people have it worse than others. But no one can turn you into a bad person, just like no one can turn you into a good one. We’re all dealt our hands in life, and how we choose to react is entirely up to us. That’s free will.” — 21 people liked it

“Karma is a cruel mistress.” — 17 people liked it

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