4.5 Stars from me!

Wow, this book was like a love letter to music and it kind of put me in my fckn feelings (in a good way). This book is like the perfect playlist, strong from start to finish with a killer closer. I loved the relationships between the characters and loved the rapport between Luke and Vada even more. This book is super fun and really sweet, and I definitely recommend reading it!

.5 star off for the random religious part near the middle of the book. Full disclosure, I, personally, am not religious, but that doesn't deter me from religion in books. However, the literal come to Jesus moment had a very disjointed feel. I actually had to flip back to a few pages to make sure I didn't accidentally skip a page... it just kind of came out of nowhere and then wasn't discussed again and it felt really, really random.

MORE THAN MAYBE by Erin Hahn | Grade: B | No spoilers ahead.

Looking for a cutesy rom-com, even if sometimes flawed, to relax with? Look no further. Erin Hahn comes at us with a music-fueled romance that felt a little boring and derivative at times. Overall, I really enjoyed the music-aspect of the novel (even though it didn’t always reference my favorite artists), especially the bar/venue setting, but sometimes it felt a little too repetitive as a result. Once we finally got a definitive objective about 60% of the way through it, the story vastly improved and became a lot more enjoyable. And while the story was able to improve, I never really connected with these main characters. As other reviewers pointed out, they just didn’t feel very real or noteworthy. I feel like these characters will be easily forgotten, which isn’t always that uncommon for cutesy romances (I’m not bashing the genre, I swear), but I feel is still a disappointment. I’m going to wrap up my review here and keep it pretty short because I honestly didn’t have a lot of opinions about this book - it was perfectly okay. But I will end with this, if you are into cute teen romance, you should pick this one up. And if you pick it up and then struggle to get into it, don’t let the beginning dissuade you. A very special thank you to @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks for an advanced copy of the novel. While I of course appreciated this opportunity, my review is presented without bias. This book will be released on July 21st, 2020. (This review will be shared on my Goodreads and Instagram pages on July 13th, 2020)

I may sound like a broken record at this point, but YA contemporary is such a hard-sell for me. So when I find one I enjoy ... you better believe I'm going to shove it in your face!

Am I ever glad I didn't give up on this author. I received a digital ARC of Hahn's debut novel last year and was not a fan. This was another music based contemporary romance, but it was everything I hoped You'd Be Mine would be. Set mainly in an Ann Arbor dive bar, this felt grounded and real. It was a scene and an industry that I could believe. The characters were far more relatable and so very likeable. I nearly couldn't put it down half the time because I was so sucked into this world, these characters and their wonderful budding romance. Also a huge shoutout to Wednesday Books for sending me a copy!

This book contains a dual narrative that follows Vada Carsewell and Luke Greenly.

🎶VADA is a girl with a plan. A five-year plan, to be precise. (1) job at the local dive bar owned by her mom's awesome boyfriend, (2) take over said man's music blog, (3) get accepted at Berkley for music journalism, and (4) manage a summer concert series. Gotta love an ambitious girl, especially when she's already working on step 4 when we first meet her. I always admire a teenager who knows what she wants and goes for it. I flip flopped so much that I can admire Vada's drive wholeheartedly. She struggles a bit with her father, in that he chooses when he can claim her as a daughter, but still treats her like she isn't. It was really sad to see someone that awesome be beat down by such an empty-hearted man, but readers will enjoy how things get ... handled.

🎤LUKE is our British cinammon roll of a boy. It's very rare that I enjoy the male POV more than the female's, and Luke eked it out by the slimmest of margins. Luke is struggling to hold his ground in what he wants to do with his life, and that involves keeping his biggest talent—composing and writing songs—a secret, especially from his dad. His dad is an old punk rock artist who keeps trying to get Luke signed to an agent and a label to record his music, but that's hard to do when you have stage fright. He's forced to deal with fame anyway when his twin takes things into his own hands and posts a secret recording of Luke on their shared podcast.

The romance in this was exactly what I hoped it be, sweet and swoony. It would be considered a slow burn with the best kind of unrequited love. It felt like any kind of high school crush where you actually get to be with this person and you get to know them instead of pining from a distance. I have to admit that I was over the music references pretty quick. And there is a copious amount of them. I love that it's their cute love language but I don't listen to any of these artists. 99% of the songs were completely lost on me without context. But I think that's my only complaint about this book!

Loved the Annie Mathers shoutout, by the way! So cheeky.

There looks to be a spin off novel coming about Vada's delightful friend, Meg! After falling in love with this book and meeting Meg, you best believe I'll be checking it out!

I have mad love for this book. It was angsty, full of all the feels and largely a love letter to music. It wasn’t perfect and there are definitely some things that were annoying but they were easy to shove aside. The thing that bothered me the most was a super random, short come to Jesus scene that did not fit with the rest of the book. I honestly felt like I accidentally stepped into a different book for a minute and then it went back to normal. I was also frustrated with the slow burn of the book despite the characters’ clear chemistry and clear feelings for each other. Still definitely worth reading, just don’t go in expecting things to move quickly.

More Than Maybe
A Novel
by Erin Hahn

St. Martin's Press
Wednesday Books
Teens & YA
Pub Date 21 Jul 2020


I am reviewing a copy of More Than Maybe through St Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books and Netgalley:





More than Maybe has a way of finding a place in your heart the way a favorite song does. It has a way of sticking inside your mind like lyrics you love.



Luke Greenly has grown up under the spotlight of his Punk Rocker Dad. He wants nothing to do with the crowds, his gift is for writing songs, something he hides, hoarding songs in his bedroom at night. He also prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly happy with his long term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. He has another secret as well that Is the crush he has on music blogger , Vada Carsewell.




Vada has a five year plan, to secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from a local legend, who also happens to be her Mom’s boyfriend Phil Joseph, check. to take over Phil’s Music blog which she also did. She also had a goal to be accepted into Berkeley’s prestigious music journalism program which she has also achieved, as well as to manage Ann Arbor’s Music series and secure an internship with Rolling Stone. What definitely is not on that list is Luke Greenly. But there is something about his self-deprecating charm and out of this world music knowledge that makes her dizzy.



I give More Than Maybe four out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

A huge thanks to @stmartinspress @netgalley @erinhahn_author @wednesdaybooks for the ARC.
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Music is such a huge part of our lives, especially my daughter. She’s a 5’0 firecracker percussionist, a concert lover, a music enthusiast...she is literally always singing or listening to music. Between her dad and I, we have introduced her to almost every genre of music and she has seen an incredible amount of live shows (yes, she wears protection). She is the exact same age as the characters in this book, so I hope she reads it.
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The book has alternates POV between Vada and Luke, both are highly motivated high school seniors with a love for music. They also both have crushes on each other...
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Luke has a twin, Cullen, who is the opposite of Luke in just about every way. Cullen dates Zack, and I loved these two together - if only high schools and kids were as accepting as portrayed in this book.
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The texts with all the musical references were my favorite. But seriously, Eddie Vedder can croon to me any day (Better man and Yellow Ledbetter are my two favorites).
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If you enjoy YA, music, well developed characters (including the parents - well not Marcus, he’s an a&$!), then I recommend this one!
Releasing 21 July!
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#morethanmaybe #erinhahn #booksandmusic #stmartinspress #netgalley #bibliophile #advancedreaderscopy #bookstagram #lgbtqbookcharacters #vinylisbetter #goodreadschallenge2020 #kindlepaperwhite #justread #july2020reads #readingduringcovid19 #readingduringapandemic #yabookstagram #yabooks

I was a big fan of Erin Hahn's debut You'd Be Mine when I reviewed it last year. However, I think her sophomore effort is even stronger! I usually finish books really fast, but I really savored More Than Maybe—I didn't want it to end. 

Hahn has such a way with weaving music throughout her books, something that I love. Even if I disagreed with some music choices (don't get me started on Twenty-One Pilots) I was able to put those feelings aside and focus on what I really enjoyed. Any kind of musical element—when done well—just adds so much to a story. Vada and Luke trading songs throughout the entire book, only for them to come back full circle at the end was so clever. 

Vada and Luke built this incredible friendship and flirtatious rapport that really made the slow burn romance satisfying. Both main characters held tight on to their beliefs and goals, no one was going to try to convince them otherwise. Especially when it came to Vada. She was such a strong and independent woman who was going to do what ever it took to make her dreams come true. And she deserved it. Vada was a great friend, daughter, and employee, that of course Luke would develop such a crush, willing to do anything to help Vada.  I think Luke Greenly is a new favorite book boyfriend—British, sensitive, and a wicked taste in music.

All the characters were just fantastic—well developed and mostly likable even through their mistakes. Hahn established really strong relationships whether they were familial, romantic, or platonic. I mean, who doesn't want their very own Phil?

Even if you're not the biggest music fan, still give this book a shot. Definitely on my favorites of the year. 

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

More than Maybe was just so much fun. I really enjoyed the slow burn and watching the relationship between Vada and Luke grow. I really connected to Vada as I had a very similar dad experience growing up. I loved how her story turned and how Luke grew with her in the process. I need some growth in a book, even in YA. I need to feel a friendship with the characters and to care about their struggles. This book does all of those things for me. I wanted more of their love story. I wanted more of what happens next. I can't wait for Erin's next book.

THAT WAS SO FREAKING LOVELY. I enjoyed this so much, I love everyone in this (dive)bar!
Vada and Luke were *chef’s kiss*
Meg and Cullen and Zack were gorgeous.
Phil IS THE LITERAL LIGHT OF MY LIFE. WHAT A PERFECT HUMAN, I CANNOT WITH THAT MAN.
Ahem. This was such a beautiful book and I can’t wait to read it again and again.

Review going up on blog July 22nd, 2020

More Than Maybe is told in dual perspectives of both Vada and Luke. Both are connected to the music world in different ways, but both have a love for it that brings them together.

Vada has grown up with a father who while interested in the music world and taught her almost everything she knows about it, still manages to be a terrible father. She lives with her mom who has always tried to make sure she had the best, and her mom's best friend Phil has made it so she has had a good life and opportunities to do what she wants.
Luke has grown up with a rockstar for a father and has managed to fly under the music world radar until his twin brother uploaded something of his without his approval. This creates a whole lot of drama, not only in Luke's family but in his potential love life as well.
Luke and Vada end up working together on a school project, and at an after school job to make their own money. This starts a friendship that might just turn into more if they let it.

Vada is having trouble figuring out how to pay to go to the school of her dreams because of her father being difficult. Meanwhile, Luke is now having to argue with his dad about things and has to stick up for himself against his entire family he feels like. Together they form a team of sorts in trying to make sure the other gets what they want, all while keeping each other at arm's length it feels like at times which creates some tension and hurt feelings between them at times.

Overall this was a sweet story. Luke and Vada are both likable characters and their reasons for doing the things they were doing were very real. Vada having to struggle and get creative for ways to pay for college is a very real problem for a lot of students, as well as the situation between her and her father. It was nice to see that play out in a book and have Vada be able to find a solution of sorts that might make it possible for her to still go to her dream school. Lukes problems while not as serious at times as Vada's were still very real. Him having to fight with his family about what he should do and how he's wasting his potential is another conversation that a lot of teens go through with their parents. Seeing him stick up for himself, as well as the relationship he has with his twin was nice.
I also really appreciated in this book how we got to see parents being involved and supportive at times. I'm loving seeing it in books after years of them being mostly absent in young adult stories. Hahn did a good job of showing the realities of parents and teens in their senior year of high school and the tough decisions they have to make.

I really adored this read. I normally love books that have a music/art element at the heart of it and this book was no different. I really also love how this book gave me both characters POV. I also just really loved both characters so much and love the side characters. This book had so many of my fave elements and just but a smile on my face. I love british boys and this book had a two in a handsome set of twins. I really loved the romance and also the various other elements of this read. I def need to read more by this author in the future.

YA and music fans, you need to read this book!! This book was such a great story about growing up, first love, music and family. Both Vada and Luke are just so lovable. I didn’t want the book to end and hope there will be stories of the other characters in this book.

This story was adorable! It took me around 100 pages to get into this story but I ended up really loving the characters and the way music was present in the story. Further, I liked the writing style and loved the ending. However, I did not like everything about the story. It contained insta-love, which I'm not a big fan of, and the plot was lacking a bit. (Especially in the first half of the book). Overall, this was a cute and fun read and I'm happy I read it.

4.5 stars

More Than Maybe was so adorkably sweet and cute. I'm pretty sure I got at least a dozen cavities while reading it and there were so many times that I couldn't wipe the dopey grin off my face. I fell in love with all the characters (well, besides Marcus), and it made my music loving heart rejoice.

I don't need to rehash the synopsis because there are plenty of wonderful reviews out there for that. I want to talk about how this book made me feel. I admit that if you aren't familiar with the songs referenced or mentioned in the book, it might be overwhelming. Music obviously plays a huge part in this novel and many times it is how our characters communicate with each other. I thought this added another wonderful layer to the feelings and moments Luke and Vada shared. Their sweet romance was captured so perfectly and Luke couldn't have been more adorable.

There have been many times in my life that a song, or even a single line in a song, has hit me square in the chest. Songs that have burrowed so deep inside me that they are forever tied to moments in my life. Just hearing them brings all the emotions rushing back to me - for better or for worse. That's how More Than Maybe made me feel. It reminded me of all the butterflies and wonder of young love. It reminded me of the uncertainty and fear that comes with making yourself vulnerable. It reminded me of the hope and excitement of possibility.

It's rare for me to enjoy a cast of characters as much as I did in this book. Every single one of them shined and added to the story. Yes, the story centers around Luke and Vada and is told through their POV's, but I loved how all these characters came together to create a family. They push when they need to, but they also steady and support. Meg, Phil, and Zack were particular favorites for me and I'm over the moon that Meg is getting her own book. Erin Hahn's writing was amazing and I loved all the witty banter and hilarious inner monologues. This is my first book by the author, but I can't wait to read more.

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

I haven't loved a YA as much as I love this one in a long time -- I often miss that swoon and anticipation in a lot of YA I've read lately and I am here to tell you that this one has it all! There was no warm up, no waiting in this book for the good parts to being. Instead, there was a lot of longing but in the most swoony and perfect way. More than that, however, the story, the pacing, the characters, the music -- all of it fell in this almost cosmic way. I know I will return to this book and I credit it with reminding me that I do love YA.

More Than Maybe comes out later this month on July 21, 2020, and you can purchase HERE. If you want a YA with all the swoons, you will love this one!

She beams a smile and grabs my hand and tugs me toward her. She does a slow spin under my arm, and my other hand finds her waist, prompting her to turn and draw out with our arms spread between us. She doesn't let go, instead curling into me and fitting. The music in my ears slows, and I slow to match. She doesn't object. Her arms find their way around my neck, and I rock us together. She closes her eyes, and her lashes flutter over the tiniest, most perfect constellation of freckles spread across her cheeks and the bridge of her nose.

Well.

That's it.

There's absolutely no coming backing from this. Science has shown, once you start noticing constellations in freckles, you're fucked.

This was so adorable and made my heart happy. You're immediately drawn to Luke and Vada and their family dynamics are great. I love the element of music that seems to be a trend in Erin's works, the original songs she includes are fantastic and once again I want an album of them (and the songs that Luke and Vada send back and forth to each other are on point!). When you get the chance definitely pick up this! I can not wait to read more from Erin.

Thank you to Wednesday Books, Erin Hahn and Netgalley for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

3⭐️
Silent rave? Dance with a bunch of strangers? Hell yeah! I’ve always wanted to do that! Please give me an invite to the next one.
This is definitely a lyric-artist kind of book. A place where you’d have to know your music to completely understand these two.
It is a YA.. with a little bit of romance and a long wait to find out where it goes. I wanted to like it more, but it just didn’t happen this time.

This is a Netgalley ARC, from the publisher and all opinions are my own.

I really struggled to get into this book. In fact, I almost gave up after the 2nd chapter. But I"m glad I kept going, because this book ended up being a delightful read. I liked how Vada was a strong minded female protagonist who, even while she was crushing big time on Luke, and ended up in a relationship with him, she didn't let that get in the way of her dreams. It was fun to see how Vada and Luke's love of music was intertwined in everything they do. While I didn't know every single song that was mentioned, I at least recognized the bands and was able to get a general idea of intent behind why it was included.

I received an ARC of this book thanks to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley.

I really enjoyed reading Erin’s debut novel You’d Be Mine last year so I was thrilled to be contacted by Wednesday books to read and review More Than Maybe. Whilst I’m way pass the YA age I love a good romance story and this book did not disappoint.

I love the promise that a YA romance holds, it sends me straight back to me teenage years and when I first met my husband. There’s the excitement and anticipation of wondering what the other is thinking and agonising over the best reply! Erin Hahn does a fantastic job of capturing that emotion and building the romance tension to the first kiss.

Alternating between Vada and Luke’s POV was refreshing. It was funny seeing where their wires were crossed and getting their personal reaction to all the scenarios. As a musician I have a soft spot for the introvert, quietly romantic teen that was Luke Greenly. He stole my heart within the first few chapters and has kept it ever since, Vada does not know how lucky she is! Luke was definitely my favourite character and the one I identified with the most. I too don’t like to perform, my hands get all shaky and I break out into a sweat which is not ideal for a pianist. How does the saying go? Those who can’t teach, well that is definitely me, except like Luke I can I just choose not to share.

One of the stand out features of Erin’s debut book was the inclusion of lyrics which she has included this time as well. For me this makes the book a little more unique I just wish I could hear the song and watch Vada dance. Music is so emotional but when you add a dance the story comes alive in front of you. For now I will just settle with my own imagination.

As Erin said in the author notes writing a second book is hard but I think it is safe to say she has bested herself and created characters that are even more relatable and lovable. I can not wait to see what you bring to your next book!

“Are you there, God? It’s me, Smitten.”

This might just be one of my favorite reads of 2020. It’s quirky, witty, and vibrant. And I kind of love it. Let me give you the run down.

Remember that time you had a reciprocated crush for 3 years on someone and then you became best friends (or maybe more???)? Neither do I, but this requires a suspension of belief.

More Than Maybe follows Luke and Vada. Luke is the son of a former rock star, and channels his own love of music into composing. He’s shy and feels his passion is private, and feels no desire to perform. Vada also loves music. She works at her mother’s boyfriend’s bar/club, and writes about their live music in her blog. Luke and his twin brother also coincidentally record their podcast at said bar. Vada and Luke pass by each other once a week at the bar, but have major crushes on each other from Vada listening to Luke’s podcast, and him reading her blog.

A class project leads brings them together. The two bond over music and become friends. Just as they start to fall for each other, Luke’s brother releases a recording of Luke singing a love song, and a million hits only starts to complicate things.

The whole book was unique, from the characters, to the storyline, the relationships, the music, just everything.

First, it was so refreshing that this wasn’t one of those stories where they love music and dream of making it big and becoming famous. Both Luke and Vada have no desire to perform publically and see their passions as something private and all their own. It shows that just because you’re good at something and love it, doesn’t mean you have to give that piece of yourself to the masses.

I also loved the relationships in the book. Luke has a great mother-son relationship, but butts heads with his dad on Luke being against performing. Luke also has a twin brother, Cullen. The book shows so well how the two are so different, but also stand by each other, making a realistic sibling dynamic. Cullen is also dating Luke’s best friend, Zack. I really liked how the author showed Luke’s viewpoint on this, sharing his best friend with his brother.

Vada also has a great mother-daughter relationship, but it isn’t given as much attention. I loved her dynamic with her mother’s boyfriend, Phil. He’s her mentor and like a father to her. It’s really heartwarming, especially when you compare it to Vada’s relationship with her father, Marcus. Marcus is a drunk and takes advantage of his daughter—using her to get free drinks, babysit his other kids, get him concert tickets—basically, he’s a slimeball and you’ll hate him.

Vada also has a best friend, Meg. And I don’t know how to feel about Meg. Like personality-wise, she’s okay. She’s a good friend to Vada. I just think it’s weird that they’re eighteen and this girl literally wears fairy wings. Like Halloween costume wings. All the time. And no one acts like it’s weird. Do people actually do this?

I also just kind of love Luke. He doesn’t fall into the love-interest cliché of being the super confident, suave, popular guy. He’s a music nerd! He’s awkward! He’s even shy! Plus, I’m just loving that he has glasses. Why doesn’t anyone wear glasses in books, movies, and TV?

Vada and Luke also made great narrators. They were witty, and their romance was cute. Their back and forth was cute and fun. It reminded me of Tweet Cute in a way.

I loved how music was included in the book. It truly felt like it was a part of their lives and not some added quirk or forced personality trait so I think that was done well. But it bothered me that all the singers and bands in this book are real except for Annie Mathers. I haven’t read any of this author’s other books so I was really confused who Annie Mathers is, and I think that takes away from the story a little.

I do think this could have/ maybe should have been aged up. As a college student, it bothers me that there are so few books about college-aged people. With a few minor adjustments, Vada and Luke could have easily been in college. It also would have made sense for her to work in a bar if she were in college. She is eighteen, but that also felt a little unrealistic.

It seemed like the story dragged a little in the middle, too. It felt like a little too much lead up to the climax of the story.