Audiobook Review: A Little Something Different by Sandy Hall

Title: If You Find Me

Author: Emily Murdoch

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date: March 26th, 2013

Goodreads Summary: 
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 book I had been looking forward to reading since I caught whiff of the concept. The sad thing is that I probably wouldn't have picked it up any time soon with all the books I currently own that are sitting on my shelf collecting dust. I had actually checked it out from the library a while back but didn't get around to reading it. That's when I knew I had to do something about that, so I checked out the audiobook to listen to while I was at work. How was I supposed to miss out on a book about two people where everyone around them know they're meant to be together, but they haven't quite figured it out? I needed it!

The story is incredibly cute. It's from the perspective of 14 different people (or squirrels) and they all think the two main characters are perfect for each other. While that was the thing I loved the most about this book, being able to see the romance unfold from so many different perspectives, it's also what made it difficult to enjoy as an audiobook. There were two narrators and they just took turns reading different sections of the book. I didn't like the female narrator at all. Her voice was high pitched and her character voices weren't different enough to be able to distinguish them as the story progressed. I really had to pay attention to any changes that happened so I wouldn't be lost in the story. The male narrator was a lot better with his character voices. He had a different voice for each of them and he always managed to change the tone of his voice to match the characters.

The story itself was great. It's very quick and one you can read/listen to in one sitting. My favorite point of views were the waitress, the squirrel (so cute), and the bench (such a unique pov). The perspectives from their closest friends was really enjoyable as well. Casey was very funny, but he also shows that he really cares for Gabe. Even though the story is cute and light with perspectives from the most random people, like a bus driver, it also has some serious topics. It's also a great diverse book. The main character, Lea, is Asian, and the author also delves into sexual orientation.

By the end it got easier to distinguish the different voices and I ended up really enjoying the audiobook. I might read the actual book sometime in the future because it's such a really quick read.

Rating:

★ ★ ★ ★/5

Audiobook Review: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Source: Library

Goodreads Summary:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems 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 she 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 Nora her life.

I read this book a few years ago but wanted a refresher so I decided to pick up the audiobook. That way, I can continue on with the series and hopefully finish it this year. Let me tell you that at first I didn't want to make time to listen to this (or any) audiobook, but when I finally did, I really enjoyed it. I was pleasantly surprised. If you're like me, and aren't the biggest fan of audiobooks, I suggest that you do what I did and follow along with your physical copy while you listen.

Although I did like the book I found that I didn't enjoy it as much as I remembered having enjoyed it the first time. Patch used to be my ultimate book boyfriend. I used to live for him, but now I can see why some people would say he's abusive. He only makes time for Nora when he wants to and things only get done when he feels like it. Patch does not simply ask to go on a date. Oh no, he demands it. I really don't remember him being like this the first time I read Hush, Hush. I think I was blinded by Patch's emotional back story (which still made me feel the feels) and the fact that he does refrain himself from doing some horrible things. I'm definitely not excusing his behavior though. Now I can see where the other side of the argument is coming from. I just overall liked Patch's sense of cockiness and confidence despite some major flaws.

One thing I couldn't get over though was Nora's "best friend" Vee. Please, if I had a supposed best friend like her I would be in so much trouble. Nora is the responsible one, where Vee doesn't think twice about anything. She doesn't give two hoots about what Nora thinks and constantly disregards her warnings when it comes to guys. Even when Nora tells her that one of those guys got rough and abusive with her and threatened her, she just says, "well he was drunk and he's been through a tough time, so it's okay" (I'm paraphrasing but you get the gist). I do have to say that when Nora truly needed her, Vee was there, but man she could learn a thing or two about friendship.

Plot wise, the story is captivating and engrossing. The background to Patch's story and learning about the angels and fallen angels is mainly what kept me turning the pages (or listening to the CDs). Plus the mystery element entangled in there adds to all of the excitement.

Audiobook Rating:

Enjoyable (don't regret the reread)