Hushed

by Joanne Macgregor

An alternate cover edition can be found here.

* Hushed - a modern romance inspired by the classic tale of The Little Mermaid *

Would you sacrifice your voice for love?

18-year-old Romy Morgan desperately longs to escape the boring future her parents have planned for her, and explore the world.

When she saves her celebrity crush, superstar Logan Rush, from drowning, Romy is offered a job as his personal assistant. She strikes a deal to reinvent herself in exchange for entering the exciting world of the movies, and love sparks between her and this prince of Hollywood. But Romy soon discovers that she has traded her voice and identity for an illusion of freedom.

When she discovers a dreadful secret with the power to destroy Logan, Romy must choose between love, revenge and finding her own, true element.

If you like contemporary young adult romance with all the feels - and a twist of humor - then you’ll love this refreshingly modern and realistic spin on the classic tale of The Little Mermaid from award-winning YA author, Joanne Macgregor.

Note: this is not a fantasy novel – the only tails, fins and flippers in the story are those on sharks and whales!

Hushed makes great reading for fans of Stephanie Perkins, Jenny Han, Sarah Dessen and Gayle Forman.

Genres: Romance, Young Adult, Contemporary, Retellings, New Adult, Fiction, Mermaids

340 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2017

About the author

When not writing, Joanne Macgregor is a counselling psychologist in private practice where she works mainly with victims of crime and trauma.

Although she lives in the frenetic adrenaline-rush of the big city, Joanne has always been in love with nature, and escapes into the wilds whenever she can. She's a Harry Potter fanatic, bakes the best choc-chip cookies on the planet, and is addicted to chilies and bulletproof coffee.

She started her professional life as a high school English teacher and loves writing about, and for, teens. She is the author of several books for Young Adults - Scarred, Recoil, Refuse, Rebel, Hushed and The law of Tall Girls.

Reviews

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story telling! This fairy tale inspired book hooked me from the start and I could NOT put it down.

You’ve heard about the Little Mermaid, right? The story about a beautiful sea creature willing to give up her life and identity in order to live on land? Hushed is not a paranormal or fantasy story. It’s about a normal human eighteen year old girl who wants to stand on her own two feet, explore and discover the world on her own. She doesn’t want to follow the road less traveled, not the boring one her parents have laid out for her.

“Are those my only two options? Study either one thing or another in the family line, then settle down and have babies?”

After saving Tinseltown’s biggest heartthrob Logan Rush, from drowning and demonstrating she can think on her feet and is trustworthy, Romy landed a job as his personal assistant. Excited to be close to her crush—although she can’t fraternize with him or she’ll lose her job—, be part of movie making magic and have her freedom, she accepts.

“You realize that working here, seeing the magic, is going to spoil you for the real world?”

As Romy and Logan spend time together, they soon find that their attraction is inevitable. She also learns that the Hollywood effect is all a big illusion which also includes Logan’s acting roots and life before stardom. And when Romy finds out the truth about Logan which has the potential to ruin his career she must choose what to do with this information. Can they find a way to join their two very different worlds or will they follow their separate paths?

“I love you for your kindness and your honesty, for your integrity and even your danged bossiness. I love how you want to save the world, and how you want to save me.”

I really wasn’t sure what to expect. This is my first book by Joanne Macgregor, but it was recommended so I just dove right in (pun intended). The story starts out light and funny with an adorably drunk Logan and a very determined Romy, but it soon turns sweet and thought provoking, angsty and exciting with a fairytale worthy happy ending. I'm not usually a big YA reader but this book hit all the right spots for me.

❖Plot: CHECK. Everyone loves the Little Mermaid, right? The story is much more than just a romance, it’s about following you own heart, finding one’s voice and oneself, interlaced with the very real issue about fighting to save endangered species.

❖Characters: CHECK. Romy is an amazing heroine. Macgregor perfectly captures the struggles faced by young people who are coming of age. Most see the world as their oyster. Some, like Romy, want to save it. Logan is a perfect match for her. He’s bit jaded but with a great personality and good heart.

“I love his laugh. When he laughs, somewhere a unicorn is born.”

❖Writing: CHECK. I was carried away to beautiful South Africa and didn't want to get back to reality. The author adds a layer of family and friendship that enriches the story. I loved Romy’s BFF and her grandmother, she was a wise and hilarious woman. I highlighted many quotes and lovely descriptions. The chapters flew by quickly and in less time than I realized I had finished this beautiful story.

“If you fail, you fail. At least you will have lived! A life without risk is a life without passion and love. And a life without those, is a life without soul.” ~ Nana to Romy

❖Romance: CHECK. I loved the way Romy and Logan's relationship, it’s fun, sweet and swoony. It grew and matured, it felt organic and together they become a better version of each other.

❖Raising Awareness: CHECK. CHECK. CHECK. I can't say enough about how much I LOVED that this book has an underlying focus on fighting for our Earth. Raising awareness, speaking up and doing something about it, all beautifully wrapped up in this lovely YA romance.

“Sea creatures eat plastic—they mistake it for jellyfish—and then they choke, or clog up their insides and die. The ocean… does not need more plastic pollution.”

Hushed is a standalone Young Adult romance by author Joanne Macgregor told from the heoine’s point of view. It has all the feels! It’s fun, sweet, and touching with a happy ending.

*** I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team, and I have voluntarily reviewed same. ***

Amazon -> http://amzn.to/2pHqIzu

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[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Humor, heart, star crushes and a sweet almost didn’t-make-it romance highlight Joanne Macgregor’s latest tale, HUSHED as one fanatic fan becomes the heroine when her movie star heartthrob attempts to escape the glitz, glamor and two-faced world of the beautiful people. If not for Romy’s “stalking” on her surfboard, a completely inebriated Logan, hottest hero in the movies, would have drowned as he attempted to free himself from the fawning women, glad-handing men and even his co-star, a beautiful, yet manipulative ice queen. So now she is in possession of a passed out god of looks, what does she do with him? Save him from the press and adoring fans, of course. It was that quick thinking that landed her a job as Logan’s assistant on set
.
It is that job that will give Romy a chance at freedom, to make her own way in the world and step out from under the thumbs of her overbearing parents. Has traded one stifling situation for another? Will her voice ever be heard? Will anything she ever says or does be appreciated and recognized, let alone be respected? Sometimes one must be careful what they wish for, they may just get it. When she knows she is falling for Logan and he for her, they both know it is taboo and she refuses to be his dirty little secret in a world where even Logan is an unhappy puppet. But when she discovers why he allows himself to be pulled on a string, Romy must make the hardest decisions of her life. Should she follow her own dreams and let Logan figure his own way or can she be cruel enough to seek revenge and out him?

This isn’t the freedom Romy thought she would have, but sometimes freedom is just another name for nothing left to lose, but everything to gain.

Joanne Macgregor has taken the star/fan crush and turned it into a sweet love story where monsters hide in every shadow and humor can be found in desperate times! Absolutely delightful reading with scenes that pop off the pages with their descriptions! Coming of age and falling in love, at its freshest!

I received this copy from Joanne MacGregor in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.

Publication Date: March 26, 2017
Publisher: Joanne Macgregor
Genre: YA Self-esteem
Print Length: 264 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hushed is a truly beautiful read, a book I fell in love with almost instantly. From the beginning until the end I was pulled in, curious as to how things would play out, hoping for the best, experiencing a wide range of emotions. In other words, it is well worth the read.

Advertised as a modern romance inspired by The Little Mermaid, I knew I needed to read this one. The Little Mermaid is one of my favourite Disney movies (second only to Mulan) and a good retelling has been a long time coming. As this is contemporary fiction, I knew this wasn’t going to be a tale of fins and bubbly things. Nevertheless, I was hopeful. Contemporary or fantasy, I’m always going to give something with a Little Mermaid reference a read.

In all honesty, though, this book would have worked perfectly without The Little Mermaid reference in the synopsis. I spent quite a bit of time trying to find parallels rather than simply enjoying the beauty of this story. Honestly, I think such a thing distracted me a little bit at the start of the book. My mind kept whispering ‘The Little Mermaid’ and I overlooked the other fantastic things in front of me. You see, this book deals with so many deep issues – and it really deserves a lot of love for that aspect alone. The story deals with environmental issues in a meaningful way (I find often this can be ignored in stories or it can feel like an author is trying to force their views upon you, but such is not the case here); the story deals with finding yourself (in relation to family expectations and taking risky choices); the story deals with the issues of fame (a lot of story are using the movie industry as a backdrop and I’m really enjoying this trend, yet I found this one to send a deeper message than some others out there). I could keep listing things this book deals with, but I won’t. Just know there is a lot more to this story that a girl finding her feet.

It’s not just that, as this story is more than just deep meanings. It does not feel like a chore, it does not feel as though you’re being forced to experience a lot of things at once. Filled with all kinds of emotions, at the heart of the story is a wonderful romance read. We have two amazing characters, characters I grew to love more and more as the story progressed. I wasn’t sure about them at first, but they developed so much throughout the story. I became so immersed in their lives, and I had no wish for the tale to end. There are moments that will leave you laughing out loud (I woke my sibling with my four in the morning giggling, and was made to explain what I found so entertaining), there are moments that will leave you heart broken, and every emotion in-between pops in to say hello. I spent the entire story hoping for that happily ever after, whilst fearful of my heart being ripped in two. How it ends, though, I refuse to say. I have no wish to be the person who gives spoilers – just know you’ll want to hold out until the end, because it is amazing.

The only problem I had with the ending was that I wanted more. I do not mean this in the simple way of ‘I was so in their world that I had no wish to return to reality’. As true as that may be, I also mean it in terms of an epilogue. I wanted one more chapter, something more, to let me know how events played out in the future. So much happened during the last twenty percent of the story, that I wanted one more final – preferably calmer – scene that let me see the future. As nice as it is to leave things to the imagination, I just wanted a tiny bit more so that I could imagine just how the lives of the characters started to play out beyond this story.

Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was positively addictive, a story I was unwilling to put down. A very strong four star read, one that came close to being a five star.

Note, I read a complimentary copy of the book supplied by the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team. I have voluntarily reviewed same.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful fairytales-do-come-true type of story. I was engrossed from beginning to end.

Set in one of the most beautiful parts of the world - Cape Town!
The story boasts a unique story line and I particularly loved the struggle and the choices made by the main characters, who are from two different worlds.
The author enchants the reader with the perfect blend of: tight writing, believable characters, a seamless weaving of the environmental message, a great NA voice plus nuggets of humour!
What’s not to like?

Highly recommended to readers of all ages!

[Donna (BookDragonGirl) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What started out like a funny, humorous read worked its way to a thrilling end. It was really about learning about yourself and how love doesn't have to mean sacrificing who you are to be with someone else. I love how Romy and Logan grew to become better version of themselves. Also, Romy grows and comes to realize that she has to let go of all the expectations and do what makes her happy, and those who love her will accept and support her. It really is such a beautiful and enchanting read, and the fact that it took place in South Africa was so educational too. The terms and definitions at the end helped fill in a few questions that I wondered about.

If you enjoy retellings, young adult romance and even a book that touches on environmental issues...look no further!! I highly recommend this. You will thoroughly enjoy curling up with this one!!

*I read a complimentary copy of this book supplied by the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team. I have voluntarily reviewed same*

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Review copy received from author*
Hushed, a contemporary romantic retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid, is a feel-good, light-hearted, fun read.

Set in South Africa’s beautiful Western Cape, the story includes a vital environmental message which packs a punch without being preachy.The few South African words scattered throughout the story adds to its authenticity and don’t worry there is a helpful glossary for those who have yet to experience our unique blend of colloquialisms.

An overall beautifully unique retelling. The perfect summer reading for those in the Northern Hemisphere. And to us down south – A #ProudlySouthAfrican celebration of one of our most talented authors and an irresistible corner of our country. Don’t miss this book.
Full review: http://crushingcinders.com/hushed-joa...

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an amazing story! From quirky South African sayings to the awful things that happen to our sea creatures, you will learn so much while reading Hushed. I worked on a television set for a day while in school and couldn’t stop smiling at how spot-on Macgregor’s descriptions of that world were. It really does ruin you! Now, if only I could make my dream vacation to Cape Town come true so I can experience everything I read about in Hushed!

I thought it was genius to have Romy and Logan come from such different worlds, a fun twist on The Little Mermaid tale. Both Romy and Logan were developed so well, each with their own passions that aren’t common where I live. I look forward to reading more about these issues! I also love that Romy wasn’t the only one who found her voice in this story. Nana was one of my favorite characters; I could read an entire book filled with her amusing anecdotes and wit.

Overall, this is an incredible fairytale retelling which I highly recommend to readers of all ages!

I read a complimentary copy of this book supplied by the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team. I have voluntarily reviewed same.

[Kerry Heathfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in a day. I loved everything about it from the characters (where can I get myself a Logan Rush?) and the behind the scenes look at the movie world as well as learning about endangered sea life.
The romance scenes were so well written that I almost felt the passion and suspense between Romy and Logan.
The plot certainly wasn't predictable, there were moments where I had absolutely no idea what Romy was going to do or what was going to happen but I always enjoyed what did happen and the ending had me weak at the knees.
Absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for more of Joanne's YA books.

[Siobhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who says books cannot have deep meanings!
I LOVE the message in this book and I think it is fantastically written. Written with intent!
I love that it is set in Cape Town because it made it easier to visualise the scenery in my mind.
I think we have all felt like Romy before, as a teenager or an older adult like myself so this book really is for anyone.
I thought the book was about mermaids and fantasy being inspired by The Little Mermaid but it was FAR better than any idea or expectation I had!

[Miramanee · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Look at this trove, treasures untold. How many wonders can one novel hold?"

[Seraphia Bunny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hushed by Joanne Macgregor is a modern twist on a familiar fairytale, The Little Mermaid. In Hushed we are introduced to a young woman by the name of Rosemary, Romy for short. She is infatuated with a celebrity by the name of Logan who is a famous actor in a series of movies that are based on a popular novel. She’s been celebrity watching him since he landed the big part that got him the fame that he now has. Now, he’s in South Africa in Capetown preparing to film the next movie in the series and she is determined to see him. When her good friend informs her that a yacht has been chartered for the evening and that Logan is going to be on it Romy sees her chance to see him. What she finds isn’t exactly what she’s expecting as he ditches the party because he wants to be alone from it all but he’s a bit of a goof. He encounters more than a few incidents in attempting his “escape” but Romy helps him out and gets him back to shore safely but then things really get hectic when the groupies catch sight and give chase. However, thanks to Romy’s quick wit she’s able to get him back to his hotel relatively unscathed and finds herself offered a job by his boss. Seeing an opportunity to escape the expectations of her family set upon her by her father especially Romy takes it and gets the opportunity of a life time…being Logan’s personal assistant and able to be around him all the time. She knows what’s at stake should she allow herself to lose her heart totally to him but can she help herself?
Hushed is the first book by Joanne Macgregor that I have read and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. While this story is BASED on a familiar fairytale there are no fantasy elements to it. I really do love that this story does mirror so much the original Little Mermaid story. Romy’s family is connected to the sea – her mother is researcher and her father works for a company by the name of Poseidon that deals in fishing and other elements connected to the ocean. Romy is the youngest of five sisters and she, like Ariel, is the rebellious one. She wants to be different and not follow in the pathway that her father especially wants her to follow. With encouragement from her Nana she decides to take her own path and risk the disappointment from her father.
These characters in this story are really unique and fun. I have to say that my favorite character by far is Nana followed by Logan. Nana is so down to earth but she has such stories that she likes to tell and you really don’t know whether they are true or not but it’s so great and fun to hear them. She’s encouraging and outrageous in her own way at the same time. Logan is such fun and from time to time I found myself thinking of him as a cute puppy that is just goofy but you can’t help but love him to bits. Romy is a strong character but I have to say that I like her more when she goes and begins working on the movie set and has to go under a makeover. I feel that she begins to really develop more and not believe that she can just schlep by in life.
This book is really well written and I enjoyed it very much. If you are a fan of the Little Mermaid and are looking for a more modern spin on this story of potentially what things would have been like if they had both been human then this is definitely a book to pick up and read. You’ll laugh, giggle, shake your head and at times feel exasperated but it will all be worth it. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.
I received a copy of this book for review.

[Amber Hodges · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to put my beloved pet to sleep a couple weeks ago and I was not able to read for the longest time. I was offered a chance to review this book and while I hadn't been reading, it sounded interesting enough that I would give it a shot. I read a complimentary copy of the book supplied by the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team. I have voluntarily reviewed same.

From the beginning this book sucked me in. It was so nice to have the feeling of reading again and actually enjoying what I was reading. The author gets you going from the first page. Even though this a contemporary and nothing really drastic happens throughout most of the book, the author has a way of keeping you engaged in the pages and having to know more.

I loved Romy (Rosemary). She was such a wonderful character to follow and I loved the little twist of her being "the little mermaid". No she does not have fins, just small things that can make her relate to Ariel is all, but I loved it all the same. She had a great personality and a strong will to do something more in her life. Even with all the outside pressure from her family of what to do with her life, she wasn't going to settle. I loved that.

Logan....sigh. What a heartthrob! He is definitely a book boyfriend of mine now and I am tempted to pick this book back up and read it again just to get more of him. I was just like Romy and couldn't get enough of him. I found myself sneaking my book everywhere just to get in a few sentences where I could just to read more about him. I even found ways to sneak my book at work! He definitely seems like a misunderstood character and I loved being able to see the real Logan and how everything turns out.

Towards the end the book does shift a little, it goes from being on a movie set to somewhere else, but i won't tell you where so I don't spoil anything. At first i thought it might ruin the story, but I actually loved it and am glad I got to read that part too. It gave alot more power to the story and to the characters themselves.

I hope you all run out and give this book a shot, you won't be sorry. You will be swept into the pages and the romance and will be swooning all the way to the end!

[Emily (Mrs B's Books) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now i have read this book i can see why people have the idea that this is a very modern take on the Little Mermaid fairy tale. This is not a paranormal book in any way and Romy and the supporting cast are very much human.

Romy is a sweet girl who is presumed by each of her parent to join them in a work placement in order that she can join them with them at their jobs. Roy however does not know what she wants to do, but things move in ways that she never could have predicted.

Logan is a celebrity who does not like the way his career is going and nearly, accidentally kills himself, but Romy is there at the right time to save him and is actually very sensible for her age.

Both characters are warm, engaging and bring you into their stories, however this book does have an environmental message, but is not in your face about it like a few others i have read.

Its been a while since i read something other than an adult book and i must say that i really enjoyed this one.

[Następcy Książeki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Retelling "Małej syrenki". Gwiazdy kina, któż z nas ich nie kocha? Romy jest zakochana w niejakim Loganie, który gra główną postać w popularnej serii filmów młodzieżowych. Szczęśliwym trafem dogrywki do najnowszej części odbywają się w jej rodzinnej miejscowości. Pewnej nocy zrządzeniem losu Romy ratuje Logana przed utonięciem. W nagrodę dostaje szansę od jego menadżerki by zostać osobistą asystentką chłopaka.
𝓞𝓹𝓲𝓷𝓲𝓪
Po tej autorce spodziewałam się czegoś więcej. Nie wjst to coś wybitnego, ot poprawne czytadło na wakacje. Plusem tej historii jest zwrócenie uwagi na ekologię i jak działania człowieka mają wpływ na coraz to zmniejszające się środowiska naturalne niektórych gatunków np. pingwinów (5,5/10⭐)

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book, just because I don't do contemporary reads as much. I really like fantasy or historical fiction or regency. But, I love retellings, so that drew me to it. I'm really glad I read it. I ended up liking it a lot. It was very funny. I really enjoyed the characters, and the plot line. What I loved most of all was how the author had the character's do some growing on their own. And by that, they ended up making the choices they made because they wanted to, not because of the other character. I would definitely recommend this book!

I read a complimentary copy of the book supplied by the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team. I have voluntarily reviewed same.

[Fiona L · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always, another great story from Joanne Macgregor! I've really enjoyed the other books by Joanne and Hushed is no exception.

Romy and Logan's story is so innocent and sweet, adding in some references to modern day technology, chases from fangirls of the "Beast" and touching upon environmental issues. This story is set in South Africa, a place I've not had the chance to visit, and it beautifully describes the places around there.

There is also a lot of description with what happens on a movie set, making it very interesting and a real eye-opener. The romantic scenes between Romy and Logan are so sweet too I felt like I was there with them.

Joanne has managed to weave together such a rich story and touching upon so many modern topics, it's a not-to-be-missed read with loads of humour thrown in here and there. Another beautifully written, 5-star book from Joanne!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to describe how much I LOVED this story. Romy and Logan's sweet romance develops at just the right pace, and has enough believable conflict to keep the readers on their toes. It all comes to a terrifyingly intense conclusion that will definitely have you on the edge of your seat, staying up late and nibbling those fingernails, praying for your heart to not be broken. An artfully written story I will read again and again.
I read a complimentary copy of the book supplied by the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team. I have voluntarily reviewed same.

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fabulous Story.

I was given a ARC of this and enjoyed it so much, that I purchased a copy. It is for my daughter who loves Joanne's books. She begged me to buy her last series. Joanne works her magic again with this story.

[SheReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

There aren't enough good things to say about this one. Thank God for KU because it allows me to find some highly entertaining reads. I don't think I stopped laughing. My favorite part was the beginning where so much hilarity is going on in the little boat. It was a refreshing read full of lively, charming characters. And seriously, who doesn't dream of their celebrity crush falling in love with them? It's like living a fantasy. LOL

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about this book? Well, for one thing, I totally loved it, and for another, I have a serious book hangover now that I've finished it!

I was mightily pleased to find that not only is it set in the city I live in, but the opening chapter and various later mentions are set in the suburb I live in!

I love the character of Romy, she has spirit, is loyal, passionate about her beliefs and a believable, relatable character. Logan, well he sounds just divine.

The story made me smile, chuckle, break a little inside, laugh, smile, sigh and believe that maybe, just maybe, my crush on Gerard Butler can come true (hehe)

I recommend this to anyone who loves the magic of fairy tales!

P.S. Joanne Macgregor, please, please, write a story based on Nanna! That is one story I would love to hear!

[Leenna Naidoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was enchanted within the first few chapters by Romy and her incredible spirit. Logan took a little longer to grow on me, and it wasn’t until half-way through the story that I saw what Romy might have seen in this modern prince. The plot is fun and uplifting, adapting The Little Mermaid into a modern, realistic setting quite wonderfully. MacGregor’s writing is as spunky as Romy, and despite not being a huge YA reader, I was cheering all the way for this heroine in the second half of the novel when she comes fully into her own.
The scenes and circumstances all appear to arise naturally and in a believable way. I love that MacGregor never seems to contort the plot to fit character or vice-versa.
Read my full review on sciencefantasyhub.com
http://sciencefantasyhub.com/public_h...

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was sceptical when I read that this book is based on the Hans Christian Anderson tale „Little Mermaid“, especially as I wasn't sure if the original (not happy) ending will be kept. But what a lovely new approach to this old fairytale!

Joanne Macgregor transforms the little mermaid into a 18 year old girl in South Africa, who dreams of a movie star and doesn't really know what professional path she should take up, just like so many girls (and boys).
I love Romy, she is funny, witty, has guts and stands her ground – at least if she isn't hushed. This story is her development process of becoming what is right for her. And pick up some hot guy on the way!
The story-telling is so funny, I laughed really hard several times. It's right paced and through and through convincing. The characters are well described and believable. And the author manages to wrap some psychological advice into a nice little story about finding yourself by going out, trying things and finding out what is right for you. (And about the value of good footwear! „Where does your shoe pinch?“....).
As mentioned aboved, up until the last chapter I was worried how this adaption will end but I am glad it ended like it did! (No spoilers here!)
I loved Romy and Logan so much that I didn't want to pick up a new book for a while but rather ponder about this lovely couple.

If I could I would give 10 out of 5 stars! :)

[Rebecca Yager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and clever non-magical adaptation of HCA's Little Mermaid. So much fun to spot lines reminiscent of Disney's animated masterpiece and even MORE fun to see the ideas and concepts from HCA's glorious original. The story reads like a high school fantasy (in a good way) which is its most delicious allure --those celebrity crushes you had as a teen, dreaming of ways you might accidentally bump into them and they would see you for the brilliant individual you are. The endearing heroine of Hushed actually gets that chance with her own celebrity crush, who turns out to be as charming and adorable as you could hope. While there was no clear-cut villain for the tale, there were a handful of effective antagonists to keep things well stirred up, and Macgregor's writing is a perfect brew of humor, wit, and beauty. A character-driven story of pure fun that I enjoyed cover to cover, and I will definitely read again and again.

[Joey Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, I loved this book! Starting with the introduction of Romy and her seeming obsession with the famous Logan Rush, the story soon takes a turn. You follow Romy as she is being forced to choose either her father's profession or her mother's and actually she wants to go her own way. A break before university starts and the one thing she wants to do, seems to be out of reach. Until saving Logan gives her an in to the world of movies, celebs and divas. Finally she's able to get to know the real Logan, and the more she knows the more she loves. As to whether this work out, I'll let you find that out for yourself. The book is heart-wrenching and funny, and kept me glued to the spot flipping through the pages and desperate to get to the end. When I thought all hope was lost, I really hoped I was wrong. It's an excellent book and one I thoroughly enjoyed! Highly recommended!

[Katie Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is a delightful, contemporary version of the little mermaid with both obvious and subtle nods at the original tale. I enjoyed discovering all the similarities between the two stories. Romy is a delightful young woman who is trying to find her place in the world and mesh her passions with what is expected of her. Logan is an intriguing young man who has been swept up into the Hollywood lifestyle and become wildly famous and perhaps a bit lost. Their paths cross to reveal this fun, not your typical coming of age story. Joanne keeps you guessing and highly entertained. You're going to want to read this book in one sitting! I read a complimentary copy of the book supplied by the author via Siobhan Davis's Street Team. I have voluntarily reviewed same.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great twist on the classic fairy tale. This version of the Little Mermaid is set in the modern times with characters and elements that follow the classic tale. There were only two elements of the book I did not like: first the friend of one of the main characters which is a minor character is portrayed as gay. I thought this was not necessary and would have been much better left out. Second there is a scene in the end where the two main characters almost have intimate relations. They don't which is good or this book would not be appropriate for my teenage daughter to read. I think she will still enjoy it since the message portrayed is good. Masterfully done.

[Hayley Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing, astounding, stunning, breathtaking, awesome, awe-inspiring, sensational, spectacular, stupendous, phenomenal, wonderful, marvellous and supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.

In case you didn't figure it out from that collection of adjectives, I loved this book, it made me smile and laugh and even cry. It was well written and well researched and I now know more than I ever did about whale hunting and I am appalled by it.

Nana is hands-down the greatest character in the book and reminded me of an Ouma that I knew and miss everyday. I really hope that Joanna writes her story one day.

[Stephie Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful Read!

This book was amazing. I figured it would be a classic reselling of the little mermaid and boy was I ever happy to be wrong!!! While the book is defiantly based on the classic tale it has its own story, plot, twists and turns. Joanne Macgregor has done a spectacular job with this book and I can't be more happy that I decided to read it. This book was different, captivating, and enchanting! I can't wait to read her next books.

[Be Gie · Rating 5 out of 5]

With all my heart I recommend this book. I couldn’t stop reading. This book shows how famous people have to be hidden even with the most important person in their life and how everything what is important can disappear because of It .It is a book where you have to make decisions, even if they are not decisions that our parents or loved ones would like. So if you’re curious about how it looks like you should read it.

[Picabook82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an accidental find, but a happy accident. Hushed is a book you should share with your beloved daughter or sister or mother, really anyone who might need to find their voice. The characters are relatable, sweet, smart and funny. I only wish there was another installment so I could see where Romy uses her voice next.