Review: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

Publication Date: August 26, 2014
Page Count: 272
Published by: Swoon Reads
Source: Borrowed from the Library

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The distinctive new crowdsourced publishing imprint Swoon Reads proudly presents its first published novel — an irresistibly sweet romance between two college students told from 14 different viewpoints.

The creative writing teacher, the delivery guy, the local Starbucks baristas, his best friend, her roommate, and the squirrel in the park all have one thing in common—they believe that Gabe and Lea should get together. Lea and Gabe are in the same creative writing class. They get the same pop culture references, order the same Chinese food, and hang out in the same places. Unfortunately, Lea is reserved, Gabe has issues, and despite their initial mutual crush, it looks like they are never going to work things out.

But somehow even when nothing is going on, something is happening between them, and everyone can see it. Their creative writing teacher pushes them together. The baristas at Starbucks watch their relationship like a TV show. Their bus driver tells his wife about them. The waitress at the diner automatically seats them together. Even the squirrel who lives on the college green believes in their relationship.

Surely Gabe and Lea will figure out that they are meant to be together....

A Little Something Different was a lot different, and that's a really good thing! Delightful and charming, this book easily put a smile on my face.

This lovely story is told from 14 POVs, none of which are the 2 main characters, and yet it totally works! And it's so freakin' cute and adorable it's almost painful to read. The interesting thing is that all of these POVs are from characters that are close enough to view this couple possibly falling in love, and they offer a really unique perspective. My favorite POV was the Squirrel! He was just too funny and had some great observations about Gabe and Lea (and life!)

Gabe and Lea's relationship was nice and slow in developing because the story was more about 'will they or won't they' get together. I enjoyed seeing their romance blossom while they struggled to figure things out for themselves. Everyone around them was so encouraging that I couldn't help rooting for them to get their crap together and work it out.

I really enjoyed the various characters throughout this book. Gabe and Lea were both shy, quiet, and awkward, and that made them so likable to me. Both Gabe and Lea had a terrific group of friends looking out for their happiness. My favorite character was Gabe's big brother, Sam, and I loved the relationship that they had. Sam was awesome, and I thought he showed the perfect amount of brotherly love, caring, and affection.

Overall, A Little Something Different was a highly entertaining story, with just the right amount of sweetness and fluff that I enjoyed. This book is full of heartwarming awesomeness, and it's a definite must read if you are a fan of contemporary romance like I am.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars