From Fitzpatrick’s Website:

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She’s never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora’s not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can’t decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen – and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

• Reading level: Young Adult
• Hardcover: 400 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing (October 13, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416989412
• ISBN-13: 978-1416989417

Quick & Dirty: RUN; do not walk to get this book!

Fitzpatrick delivers angst like a shot to the heart. A deadly blow that will leave you dazed and gasping for air. At times I found myself yelling at Nora to run from Patch, and other times I was begging for her to step up to his challenge.

Nora Grey is a very likable character. She’s a strong, practical, responsible, smart, and independent girl. She’s never been boy crazy, hasn’t found a boy that can really hold her interest, and she’s very much focused on her studies. Her best friend, Vee, is more outgoing, loves the boys, and just can’t get enough of breaking all the rules. I have to admit that I found Vee to be a little annoying and selfish at times. When Nora meets Patch, he completely resets her levels. His seduction/lust certainly isn’t subtle. With her senses reeling from the onslaught that is Patch, and the fact that someone is trying to kill her at every turn, Nora can’t seem to catch her breath. Patch doesn’t care that Nora gets annoyed with him. He’s very unapologetic about his behavior.

Patch is the quintessential bad boy. You know that he’s no good for you, yet you can’t get enough of him. He’s aggressive, cocky, dangerous, even creepy at times. I really like his character because he’s so flawed and complex. Fitzpatrick kept Patch’s mindset authentic to his centuries of  life experience, and not like he was born yesterday. This is a common flaw with immortal creatures/beings in many genre books. It’s hard to make someone who’s been around since or before the 15th century give a damn about our current societal morals and standards, let alone live by them. Nora can’t explain why she’s so attracted to Patch and constantly finds herself in his presence. She does try to pull away from him, but finds herself drawn in deeper.

The story of Nora and Patch is epic. They play well off of each other and I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes. It was tense reading about Patch being caught between his true nature, his deep feelings for Nora, and seeing her conflicted feelings for the first boy that’s actually meant something to her.

If you are looking for a sweet and innocent romance, this isn’t the story for you. This psychological stunner is a dark story. It has a gritty undercurrent and a fair amount of scary moments that will have you on edge. Hush, Hush is definitely a page-turner and will leave you wanting more. I read this book in two days, and thought about Nora and Patch long after I finished the book.

I will never look at tacos the same way. *sigh*

Overall: Hush, Hush is probably one of the best Young Adult books that I have read this year. I would definitely recommend this book. This book has cross-over appeal for adult readers as well. The cover is stunning, the pacing of the book is excellent, well written, great plotting, and just an all around amazing book. I’m waiting with bated breath for the sequel, Crescendo, so snap to it Ms. Fitzpatrick.

Rating: BEYOND; just a KILLER novel!

FTC Advisory: Barnes & Noble provided me with an ARC of Hush, Hush because I participated in their First Look Program. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were involved. In addition, I don’t receive affiliate fees for anything purchased via links from my site.

Review - Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating

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