I liked the concept of this world where your skeletons in the closet and secrets you take to your grave actually come back alive as the Hushed, beings who live and follow the pull to the "wounded", those who the secret is meant to be revealed to. Of course when that does happen, the Hushed dies. That sucked for them and it was easy to feel that they get the short end of the stick, especially with the hate group known as the Gravediggers, who go around trying to put the Hushed back in the ground. Yes, I know it is a human proclivity for the short sighted to fear and hate those that are different but man, I really hated those gravediggers!

Eerie, her brother and their small family of Hushed had a hard time, both with those, and the secrets they carried. I did really like when Eerie drifted and we got to see the history (a bit of it) of how the Hushed came to be and the secrets behind the Haunt of Jackals (also a fringe group, but made of Hushed and dedicated to revealing damaging secrets so that corrupt people couldn't keep power). Her search for a life, instead of just existing until she remembered her secret was so relatable and it was cute when she met up with Logan (not the original meeting when the stupid cop pulled Eerie and her friend over, but after that).

There had better be another book soon after that ending though. Many things are revealed that turned my head upside down. Kinda cool, but weird, and I can't wait to see what Eerie does after all that, and whether the Hushed can get a place in the world without hate and people trying to kill them or gain their own power over the secrets that human carry that can destroy the world as we know it.

But it was a good book and I had a lot of fun listening to the audiobook version. The narrator did a great job in bringing the characters and emotions and world to life.

3.5⭐️ I’m still dipping my toe into the realm of fantasy, and this seemed like a good book to try for being a fantasy newbie. Overall, I thought this was a very interesting and unique story, with engaging and multidimensional characters. The concept of a human-like being that is created from the secrets of a person before they die? I was endlessly curious to see where this story would go and am even more curious about what I’m assuming will be a sequel.

One thing that completely threw me off, is the comparison to The Last Thing He Told Me, which just so happens to be one of my favorite books. While this book does have a mystery component to it, it leans way more into the fantasy category with work building to match. Had I expected more of a fantasy novel versus a thriller with fantastical elements, I would have enjoyed it more.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for the gifted copies.

This book is exciting and frighteningly easy to listen too.
The concept of our darkest secrets coming to life after we die to tell our deepest held secrets is scary. Seeing the world K.R. Blair wrote come to life through the narration of Elizabeth Evans was magical.
Blair works hard to get you to feel for these Hushed, secrets come to life with the understanding that once the secret has been told to the wounded they die. You will find yourself rooting for the Hushed and the struggle to overcome the base instinct to tell the secret that bore them. Without giving too much away You will find yourself wondering if you would side with the hushed or the wounded in this very human struggle for survival. There is a sprinkle of romance among the mystery and action enough to keep any reader happy.

A paranormal thriller unlike any I’ve read before. The concept of the Hushed—undead beings tied to devastating secrets—is both haunting and utterly original. The idea that revealing their secrets brings their own demise creates an intense tension that drives the story forward. From the very first page, the book pulls you in with its dark, atmospheric world.

Eerie Ashwood is a compelling lead, torn between her forgotten past and a dangerously enticing future. The forbidden romance between Eerie, a Hushed, and Logan, a human, adds a bittersweet edge to the story, keeping the stakes high both emotionally and narratively.

While the pacing can feel a bit uneven in places, with certain threads not explored as deeply as I’d hoped, the compelling writing and high stakes more than compensate. If you’re looking for a story that mixes romance, mystery, and the supernatural in a truly inventive way, this is one to add to your list.

The Hushed Know Your Secret. The Hushed Will Tell Your Secret With Their Last Breath...

The Hushed is a beautifully crafted YA fantasy that blends elements of mystery, romance, and supernatural intrigue into a fast-paced and immersive read. The premise alone is captivating: Eerie is a "Hushed," a living secret bound to a dark past that she cannot remember, yet she feels the weight of her forgotten truth slowly creeping up on her. With her brother Fabian, she’s connected to a devastating fire at Ironbark Prison—one of the many threads that weave this gripping tale together.

The plot hooks you early, especially with the introduction of Logan Winspeare, the son of one of the fire's victims. Their slow-burn, complicated romance adds layers of tension to the story, as Eerie finds herself torn between her growing feelings for Logan and the dangerous secret lurking just out of reach. The constant threat of her inevitable death adds a unique sense of urgency, making it impossible to put the book down.

One of the strongest aspects of this story is its atmosphere. The author does an excellent job of blending a sense of normalcy with the eerie and otherworldly, creating a world where the supernatural feels just beneath the surface.

The pacing is generally strong, although at times, it slows down a bit in the middle as the story delves deeper into Eerie’s internal struggles. This can feel a little drawn out, but it’s worth it for the revelations that come later on. The history of the Hushed is fascinating, and I found myself fully invested in the world-building and the complex relationships that evolve as Eerie uncovers more about herself.

Logan, as the love interest, is well-developed, and I found myself loving the chemistry between the two as they begin to draw one another. The chemistry is debilitating. Logan's chemistry with Eerie is undeniable, and their dynamic adds real emotional depth to the story. The romance, while central to the plot, never fully overshadows the larger mystery, which I appreciated.

There are a few moments that could have used more explanation, particularly surrounding the ancient organization and their motives, but overall, the story delivers a satisfying mix of twists, danger, and romance. The stakes feel high, and the tension builds to a satisfying conclusion, leaving enough threads open for a potential sequel.

The world-building and central mystery are intriguing, and the emotional stakes keep you invested throughout. A must-read for fans of complex characters and dark, twisty plots. Verdict: Highly recommended for fans of paranormal romance and mysterious, high-stakes adventures. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

“The Hushed” is unique in the sense that the plot and storyline is different to anything I’ve read before; and the genre is a blend of paranormal, romance and thriller which is perfect for satisfying the cravings of any readers who like each of these genres.

The plot follows a world where regular humans are the only people walking around. There are other people who are made of flesh and blood and look like regular people, live regular lives, go to school and have normal jobs, but they are a different being entirely. They are known as the “Hushed” because they were born by the death of a human who had a big secret to hide. They live their lives with the urge to spill said secret, however if they give in to the temptation - once the secret is spoken aloud they drop dead.

Our main character Eerie is a hushed, she is trying to get by and live her life as normally as possible until she meets Logan.

Without giving much away, the two embark in the search of answers, there is romance between them and the obstacle that the more Eerie helps Logan, the closer she comes to finding out her secret and risking her death.

This was definitely a fun and interesting read, if you want to try something new and outside the norm I would recommend giving this a go!

Thank you to black stone publishing and K.R Blair for the ALC!

Publish date: October 1st 2024

Thank you to NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and K.R.Blair for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of The Hushed.

The Hushed by K.R. Blair is a unique blend of thriller, romance, and fantasy that stands out with its imaginative concept and intriguing characters. The story follows Eerie Ashwood, a “Hushed”—a being born from a secret so powerful it took a life to keep it hidden. Unlike most Hushed, Eerie and her brother, Fabian, cannot remember their secrets, though they’re tied to the haunting mystery of the Ironbark Prison fire. When Eerie meets Logan Winspeare, a fiery and determined young man seeking answers about the fire that claimed his mother, their worlds collide in a compelling mix of danger, secrets, and forbidden attraction.

Blair weaves a tale that’s atmospheric and gripping, full of twists and a rich backstory that spans centuries. The concept of the Hushed as living secrets is fresh and thought-provoking, adding depth to this already multi-layered story. The romantic tension between Eerie and Logan is a highlight, creating an emotional pull while keeping the stakes high as Eerie inches closer to uncovering her devastating secret.

While the book is marketed as adult fiction, its tone, pacing, and character development feel more akin to the young adult genre, which may appeal to fans of both categories. Some elements of the world-building could have been more fleshed out, but the suspenseful narrative and strong character dynamics make up for it.

Elizabeth Evans’ narration is stellar, breathing life into the characters and drawing listeners into Eerie’s eerie world. Her voice captures the emotion and intensity of the story, making it a truly immersive audiobook experience.

Overall, The Hushed is a creative and engaging read that stands out for its original concept, balancing romance, mystery, and fantasy with skill. Fans of genre-blending fiction will find much to enjoy in this haunting tale.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

✨Paranormal
🌙New meaning to the “undead”
✨Suspense and Twists
🌙Found Family
✨Forbidden Romance

I highly enjoyed this book very much! The Hushed gives off a paranormal and thriller at the same time. I have never read a book like this one. I was instantly hooked.

After someone with a dark secret passes away a Hushed is born/emerges. A Hushed is a being who looks human but is not quite human. The main purpose for their existence is to pass on the dark secret that their human had. They must pass the secret on to the one that it would wound the most. This person is their Wounded. As soon as Hushed tells their wounded the secret they immediately pass away.

The female main character in this book is a Hushed and it’s unique because she actually wants to live and be a normal person, she also does not know who her human was or who her wounded is. Throughout the majority of the book, we are trying to guess who they are.

This book contains found family and forbidden romance. The female main character starts to fall for a human.

I did listen to this book on audio.
I really loved the audio. When the end credits for the audiobook started playing, and the narrator was revealed. I screamed out loud. I knew there was a reason I loved this narrator voice.

I absolutely love Elizabeth Evans! Elizabeth Evans narrated the TOG and CC, she is phenomenal voice actor.

I will absolutely devour any book that Elizabeth narrates. I really didn’t pay attention to who the narrator was when I was listening to this book, but finding out that it was her was a cherry on the top of an already good book.

5⭐️
Wow this was an amazing read! It was unlike anything else that I’ve read. The story was unique, and intriguing making me want to know more. The love story between Eerie and Logan was sweet. I wasn’t able to guess what was going to happen next, which I truly enjoyed. I love that really had a little bit of everything romance, paranormal, and thriller vibes.

This book is a treat!
It's all about secrets and keeping those you love safe. What life's about, or should be. Doing everything in your power to protect them and save them if you need to.
It was my first time reading a book by this author and I'm hooked. Her writing style is flawless.
I could see and feel every word she wrote. I was invested in the characters since the beginning and I was left thinking about them whenever I had to put the book down. I couldn't wait to read it again. I found the story to be unique, full of action, the right amount of romance and even though it was heart wrenching sometimes, I couldn't get enough of it.
The ending was great. I really would have loved the story to continue. I felt as if it was a little too soon or too easy maybe, but other than that, I loved the book.
I'll definitely read more of this author.

#NetGalley #TheHushed

I loved this book. Such a cool take on reincarnation and secrets coming back to haunt us. I was hooked from the start and binged this in just a few hours. The main characters were likable. There was enough action and banter to keep it engaging. The twists were great.

Found family. Forbidden romance.


I consumed this book via audio. The narrators were very easy to follow at 1.75-2x speed. Always a plus for speed readers!

A remarkable plot that at times engages the reader so artfully that I felt physically present. K R Blair’s “The Hushed” is a dystopian paranormal thriller quite unusual to me. A hushed looks human but has a secret, that once told aloud, renders the speaker dead. Eerie and her brother cannot remember the “secret” but live in fear of blurting it out and dying. As Eerie tries to remember her secret, she’s trying to protect her bother and her human love interest. Blair exceeded my expectations by providing a book that no once did I successfully predict the outcome. Bravo! It’s rare to have a fresh plot, sympathetic characters, and that “ oh, no, it’s the last page” experience. There is romance, mystery, and fast pacing. Highly recommended for an engaging book that has remarkable narration.
Thank you to Net Galley and Blackstone Audio for providing a preview audiobook.

It’s been awhile since i felt like i read something “new”, and this book is definitely unique. Such a cool idea, though at times it felt hard to connect with characters who would potentially “die” at any time, but by the end you are hooked.

This story drew me in from the beginning and I really liked the idea about how the "hushed" were created. The story follows Eerie and Fabian on their journey and mystery surrounding how they became and what they remember. It was enlightening to see how others handle their secrets and what happens once they're revealed. I really love Logan and I was rooting for him. I really enjoyed the forbidden romance and suspense surrounding the hushed. The narrator, Elizabeth Evans did a wonderful job portraying Eerie and the other characters in this book. I was hooked from the beginning. Perfect for lovers of paranormal thriller and forbidden romance.

What a joy to listen to, this was. Paranormal thriller with some romance and mystery - I ate it up! I highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley for this audiobook ARC in exchange for my honest review.

At first I wasn't sure about this one. This is an original idea! The author had to do a lot of lore building while telling the story. I did get attached though. I want this to be a series. I love our protagonist. I adored the narration too!
It was a lot. This is a lot of story but it worked!