Main Characters: Nora, Patch, Vee, Eillot, Jules

Summary:

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.

Anna’s Thoughts

I have been hearing about Hush, Hush for the last few months, and it felt like Patch was Edward-mania all over again, and I rolled my eyes time and again and figured I’d buy it when it came out. No big deal. No big deal? WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING?! Patch is every bit as alluring and seductive as everyone has said he was, and then some. And some more.

I really enjoyed the storyline, and the characters – Nora was headstrong, she knew what she wanted, and didn’t want. Vee was a good friend, although a bit dim. If your friend seriously thinks there’s something wrong with someone, you do NOT go somewhere alone with them. Hello, got a brain much? Elliot and Jules were interesting, and Patch… well, Patch was Patch. (Aka: See above paragraph.)

The only thing that I really didn’t like was that the story was very predictable. Yes, there were things I hadn’t figured out in the end, there were twists that I didn’t see coming, and I kept going back and forth about who was the bad guy. I took my final guess about half way through the book, and lo-and-behold, I was right. Most of the plot I guessed at before it happened, so very good story, just predictable.

Another thing, that puts me off edge, is that this is being marketed as a YA book. I can see in ways how it is, but there is too much sexual tension in this book for me to even THINK about handing it to a 13 year old. The book is literally oozing with it, it’s from the very beginning to the very end, and intertwined through all of the spots in between. Having said that though, I am SO glad that Becca wrote a heroine who didn’t find the advances alluring, or at least to the point where she lost her brain and couldn’t eat/sleep/drink/breathe without Patch. She evaluated her choices, used her brain and didn’t become a love-sick puppy running after something that could very well kill her.

I really hate comparing books because all authors have their niche and their safe zone, and the people/things/places they know the best, but I can tell you one thing: Stephenie Meyer could learn a thing or two from Mrs. Fitzpatrick. Like how to create a love that evolves (aka, not completely irrational), and a bad boy who isn’t.. you know.. creepy. Or well, not completely.

So I say to all the Patchinites: I understand. And I’m sorry I judged you prematurely. Please forgive me?

Find out more about Becca, Patch, Nora and their world at beccafitzpatrick.com.